MURRAY, Utah (KUTV) — In Murray, recent incidents involving off-leash dogs have raised concerns about community safety and compliance with leash laws.
Local resident Marianne Hsu described the horrific attack she and her pets experienced.
Schuh said a dog ran across the street and cornered her and her two dogs. The encounter resulted in one of her dogs requiring stitches, and Shaw himself suffered burns from the leash to the rope.
“It was scary,” she said, expressing the belief that incidents like this were becoming more frequent and posed a serious safety risk to the community.
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Schuh's case highlights a broader issue of off-leash dog encounters in the area. She said it's not uncommon for her off-leash dog to approach her and her pets while walking in her neighborhood.
“Usually, me and my two 56-pound dogs are walking around the neighborhood, and off-leash dogs always come running up to us,” she said.
Ryan DeGray, spokesperson for Salt Lake County Animal Services, emphasized the importance of leash laws in protecting both people and animals in public places.
He noted that although reports of assaults and off-leash incidents are received weekly, many incidents are under-reported, making it difficult to effectively address the problem.
“We don't want stricter laws,” DeGray said. “All we need to do is work with what already exists, and that protects everyone.”
Schuh echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the Reed Act not only as a legal requirement but also as a matter of community decency.
“Yes, it's the law, but it's also a matter of common sense. This is part of our community. It's what we do for each other,” she said.
Both City and County officials urge pet owners to familiarize themselves with leash laws to prevent future accidents. Reed laws apply to public spaces, including sidewalks, and are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community.
