East Texas

By BETTY WATERS
Staff Writer

HENDERSON -- Rusk County residents upset over dogs running loose and attacking people walking down the street or in their own yard want county commissioners to pass a leash law.

The Commissioners Court is not considering a leash law for the whole county, but is trying to see if it can legally put a leash law into effect in a portion of the county, Precinct 1 Commissioner Bill Hale told a crowd at a public hearing called to discuss options for a leash law.

The court would consider a leash law for developed areas with a high concentration of homes upon request of citizens in various neighborhoods or communities, Hale said. He suggested individuals in each area sponsor a request to their county commissioner for a leash law.

Most speakers Monday favored a leash law while complaining about stray dogs and dog owners who let their dogs run loose, describing incidents in which dogs attacked or terrorized victims by surrounding them as they walked.

County Judge Sandra Hodges revealed commissioners obtained a letter from the district attorney advising the county can pass a limited leash law for designated geographical areas upon finding rational reasons to justify the law, such as sufficient evidence of more injuries to people caused by dogs in those areas as opposed to the rest of the county.

Approximately 50 people crowded into a courtroom in the Rusk County Courthouse for the hearing.

Linda Van Ness of Ouida Circle said she used to enjoy walking in her neighborhood until she was attacked by a small, young pit bull five years ago.

"I waited a few years before I started to do it again, but within the first two weeks, this large, huge pit bull ran straight at me from about 700 yards. I had my Mace with me and it worked," Ms. Van Ness said. "I refuse to walk anymore without protection."

She added, "I was an adult with Mace, not a child with none, so it was a lucky break that it was me and nobody else. If I hadn't had my mace, it would have been a totally different story."

Saying she owns five dogs that are not allowed outside an electric fence unless they are on a leash, Ms. Van Ness said, "They learn manners on leashes, they learn respect for people. This is what a dog needs to know."

Keeping a dog inside a fence is for the dog's protection as well as for whoever walks by, she said.

A sheriff's office spokesman said dogs can be picked up and quarantined if they are deemed a threat to the public by making unprovoked attacks. People can shoot the dogs if attacked, he added, because they have a right to protect themselves and their property.

John Arley, of Carlyle, said there are more stray dogs there per capita than probably anywhere in the world. His grandson was bit two years ago and his wife was "treed" by a dog in the middle of the street, he said. "Every time she moved, the dog was aggressive to her. As long as she was still, he just stayed there and growled until someone ran him off," he added.

"I have no problem with dogs out in the country. But where we are in a community like in Carlyle and other places, something needs to be done," he said.

Walter Sanders of Ouida Circle said after his wife had lung surgery, she was walking when three dogs attacked her.

"She was screaming when neighbors across the street rescued her," Sanders said. "What example does it set for young kids if I go down the street going boom boom (with a gun)?" he asked.

Wayne Gist, who walks to keep his blood pressure under control, said three dogs snap at him off Ouida Circle and are never behind a fence and are always loose.

"There's no need for a person trying to take care of their health in a real, real nice neighborhood (having that experience)," Gist said, suggesting use of "9 mm justice" on the dogs.

Jim Gray, a former Gregg County commissioner, said it is a public health issue and that being attacked by a dog can be a terrifying experience with a psychological aspect victims never get over. He offered to help Rusk County address the issue.