Unleashed Dogs a Problem in La Grange

To the Editor:

My letter is in support of the article written by Teresa Brown, Exectuive Director of the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, in the Friday, July 25 edition of The Fayette County Record. I live within the city limits of La Grange. I am writing to express my growing concern about the amount of stray, aggressive dogs, as well as, the lack of enforcement of dog leash laws in our community and the potential safety risks this poses to my family, particularly my children. As a family who frequently walks, we have encountered numerous off-leash dogs, and this issue has become increasingly alarming. My primary concern is the safety of my family.

While I understand that many dog owners view their pets as friendly, an unleashed dog can be unpredictable, especially around young children who may not know how to react. On multiple occasions, I have witnessed dogs running freely without supervision, approaching my children in ways that feel threatening, even if the dog’s intent is playful. The current leash laws are in place to protect both residents and pets, yet I see a disregard for the law almost daily. In order to protect my family, neighbors, and others in our area I will be very diligent about reporting these instances to the proper authorities. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kenn Kasparek La Grange