By Charlene Batchman Dog Gone it or should I say Dog Gone? It seems we have had a number of dogs loose in Lincoln recently. There are pictures of dogs on facebook wandering around and the sheriff’s office is constantly receiving calls about either lost dogs or found dogs.
There are city regulations for owning a dog in the city. You can always pick up a copy at the sheriff’s office or city hall.
Just to mention a few of the regulations: All dogs over six months of age should be registered with the city clerk with your address and description of the dog. Upon registration, the owner must present a current, completed certificate of immunization against rabies. The Lincoln Area Humane Society has periodic clinics for rabies vaccinations to help with the convenience of getting vaccinations.. Otherwise you must go to a veterinarian for the vaccination.
A dog running at large shall be impounded. The fine for the first offense is $25.00. The second and third offenses are $50.00. If the dog is impounded, you must pay the board bill. You must also provide proof of current vaccination when picking it up.
Also, you must consider the legal consequences if your dog should happen to bite someone either out of fear or trying to avoid capture.
Having said this, I would like to commend the Lincoln Sheriff’s Department and their deputies. In spite of the many calls they get, they try to find the owner before impounding the dog. Many times, they will pick up the dog and take it to the sheriff’s office hoping to find the owner before impounding it.
Given the chance, all dogs love to run free. I have a dog myself who occasionally will break loose and run but I am always right behind her. Dogs who are kept outside have more of a chance of escaping and taking off. If a dog escapes constantly, perhaps the owner should check their fence or method of restraining the dog.
During firecracker season more dogs will escape because many times the noise will hurt their ears and scare them. If there is a lot of noise and your dog is scared, please either take the dog inside or comfort the dog somehow.
Now, I would like to add my own suggestions for owning a dog. First and foremost, a dog is a responsibility. They are not toys to be played with when you are bored and they are not disposable when you are done with them. Dogs are the best friends and most loyal companions you could ever have and will always love you even in unfavorable conditions. I am sure you have all read stories of hero dogs who have saved people and children. I would like to add that most dogs are heroes who would give their life for their master. Like children, dogs need to be trained to obey and do their master’s bidding. Also, like children, this must be done with patience and kindness. Please do not hit your dogs, there are much better ways to discipline them. If you have questions please contact a member of the Humane Society or your veterinarian.
Personally, I love dogs. My desire in writing this article is to help owners realize the responsibility of owning a dog. In another article, I hope to share the fun and joy of owning man’s best friend.
