Columnist James-Ingram
If I had a dollar for every no-collar-wearing, unrestrained, no-leash-having dog that I encounter in East Boogie (or any ghetto for that matter), then I’d be an extremely wealthy man.
By the way, I’m referring to four-legged dogs (as in pets) versus two-legged dogs (as in political types). Hopefully that clarifies things.
My constant sense of frustration stems from the many irresponsible owners of ‘hood dogs who are quick to own the latest and greatest attack dogs (such as pitbulls, Rottweillers, etc.).
Why they fail to understand the need to secure their animals with fences, chains or leashes so as not to endanger their neighbors or passersby (like me), who may only want to take a morning jog without being attacked, is beyond me.
In fact, many (dogs) are simply allowed to roam freely or are secured with what amounts to thin ropes or extension cords, hardly enough to restrain such powerful dogs.
Thanks to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, those who are nonchalant dog owners or who use their dogs for criminal purposes will soon pay a steep price, due to three new laws restricting how animals are used and treated.
In case you hadn’t heard, Illinois has recently become the first state to pass laws designed to focus on dogs used as weapons (such as by drug dealers). Specifically, felons would be prohibited from owning dogs (unless they are neutered or spayed) for 10 years after completing their sentences.
The second law increases the penalties for those who engage in dog fighting. Both laws, for felons and dog fighters, (HB2946 and HB4711) go into effect January 1, 2007.
A third law enhances the penalties for dog owners whose negligence results in their pets causing severe injury or death to anyone. The penalty could be as high as a five-year prison term, and that law (HB4238) is already in effect.
Before you get all “brand new” on me or before those who are guilty of any of the above feed me the line about stereotyping pitbulls and Rottweillers, please recall the countless headlines of babies and children being torn to pieces by these animals. They do have a negative track record, folks.
So, I won’t debate you. The next time Fido threatens me, I’m calling the “po-po” on YOU. Maybe five years later you’ll get my point!
And anyone who lives anywhere near the ‘hood knows one of the easiest ways to identify a dope house is to find those houses whose front yards are loaded with vicious dogs. Their purpose? That would be to deter, dissuade or attack any cops who may attempt to bust them.
Now, I’m no fool. If the local cops don’t enforce these laws, they may as well be nonexistent, which is often the case in the ‘hood, where priorities may be on stopping robberies, burglaries and myriad other crimes.
However, at least I now have the comfort of having the necessary laws in place if I’m attacked by the local pusher man’s pitbull.
And if Shaquita’s Rottweiller decides to take a bite out of me because she can’t afford a fence or a leash, then I can help secure a five-year, state-sponsored “vacation” for her.
Too bad Blagojevich can’t come up with some innovative laws for those two-legged dogs. But, then again, that would be too close to resembling right.
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.