MURRAY, Utah (KUTV) — A recent incident involving an off-leash dog has sparked concerns about community safety and compliance with leash laws in Murray.
Maryanne Shew, a local resident, recounted a frightening attack she and her pets experienced.
According to Shew, a dog ran across the street, cornering her and her two dogs.
The encounter left one of her dogs needing stitches and Shew herself with rope burns from the leash.
"It was terrifying," she said, expressing her belief that such incidents are becoming more frequent, posing a significant safety risk to the community.
MORE: Salt Lake County residents voice concerns over surge in unleashed dogs
Shew's incident sheds light on a broader issue of off-leash dog encounters in the area.
She said it's not uncommon for unleashed dogs to approach her and her pets during walks in the neighborhood.
"Oftentimes, it'll be me and my two, 56-pound dogs walking in the neighborhood and unleashed dogs run up to us all the time," she said.
Ryan DeGrey, a spokesperson for Salt Lake County Animal Services, emphasized the importance of leash laws in safeguarding both people and animals in public spaces.
He noted that while they receive weekly reports of attacks and off-leash cases, many incidents go underreported, making it challenging to address the problem effectively.
"We don't want stricter laws," DeGrey stated.
"We just need to work with what's already there, and that protects everybody."
Shew echoed the sentiment, stressing the significance of leash laws not only as legal requirements but also as a matter of community decency.
"Yes, it's the law, but it's also a matter of decency.
This is part of our community.
It's something that we do for each other," she said.
Both Shew and county officials urge pet owners to familiarize themselves with leash laws to prevent future incidents.
Leash laws apply to public spaces, including sidewalks, and are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the community.