Pet Owners’ Neglect of Man’s Best Friend

Regina Powell’s “Dogs in Truck” (Letters, Nov. 27) broached one of my soapboxes: pet owners neglect of the safety of their “best friend” and its impact on society.

I too shudder at the sight of a pacing dog in the rear end of a moving pickup truck. I’m sure that many pet owners who don’t risk the life of their pet this way frowned with disgust at this egregious breach of safety.

However, I hope they stopped long enough to scrutinize themselves as a pet owner.

Do they leash their dogs during that evening stroll in the park, or do they let the brakes of a car determine the life or death of Rover?

Do they control their pet to thwart off attacks on passers-by, or do they live by the naive premise that “he doesn’t bite?”

Do they carry Fido’s dish with them so they may quench his thirst periodically, or do they let him lap the “people fountain” denying water to those who just witnessed this disgusting occurrence?

Do they control their dog’s barking, or do they force neighbors into court proceedings against them?

Do they carry a “pooper scooper” or some facsimile when they take Fifi to the park to “take care of her needs,” or do they contribute to health hazards of those who don’t want to accidentally step in or smell the aftermath of doggie chow?

More questions could be added to round this evaluation, but the point is clear: Pet ownership is a great responsibility toward animal and mankind. If a person isn’t willing to accept his obligation toward the safety of an animal and the mandates of harmonious co-existence with society, then he should be literally thrown to the dogs and denied the joys of responsible pet ownership.

GEORGETTE WILEY

West Los Angeles