Politics & Government

Menacing Pets Should be Required to Wear Muzzles in Public, Resident Says

'No one should be fearful on their street to walk or to walk a dog in this day or age,' Gale Donner writes.

The following is a letter to the editor:

Tuesday, November 12th, was the Springfield Township Committee meeting.  Statements made by Chief of Police, John Cook, were not totally accurate. Mr. Cook was correct only on my unannounced visits. However, I repeatedly left my personal information asking for an appointment. Neither the Police Chief nor his secretary, who I also asked to see several times, have yet to contact me. I am still waiting to meet with the distinguished Chief of Police.

As for Ziad Andrew Shehady taking issue with my claim that Police Chief Cook and dog owner were "good friends" I take extreme issue with his condescending remark it was "completely false." The dog owner was a former Mayor of Springfield and worked as Administrator in Town Hall for over 15 years with the Police Chief.  Many residents have seen them conversing in a light hearted spirit for many years besides their teamwork on the job. Since there is no barometer on "good friends" I suggest Mr. Shehady speak to residents with respect the way he does during election time.  As a public official he may sit above us in Town Hall but he is only there to secure our best welfare for the residents of Springfield. Mr. Shehady is only in a temporary seat which does not give him the right or privilege to try to intimidate residents who are on opposing sides of an issue. There are many dog owners and non dog owners in Springfield that support me.

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Evidently, this is a real issue! As the Judge of Municipal Court ruled Wednesday morning that it should go first for arbitration outside of Springfield. If it is not resolved in arbitration than onto court outside of Springfield.  The judge recused himself because of knowing the dog owner! Bravo Judge!

I would like to take this opportunity to call for safety in the future, that any dog (or domestic pet) that kills another dog or cat (domestic pet) which has proven to be a menace on public streets wear a muzzle as a requirement. This is a travesty that should not prevail. Pet owners are responsible to pick up animal droppings and they should be responsible for their pets mouths too. No one should be fearful on their street to walk or to walk a dog in this day or age!

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Gale H. Donner 


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