MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – As more Marshfield residents head outdoors with their dogs, city officials are reminding pet owners that animals must be leashed anytime they are off their owner’s property.
Under Marshfield city code 10-34(1)(a), “It shall be unlawful to own, keep or harbor a dog or cat or other animal and permit such animal to run at large in the City of Marshfield at any and all times.”
The ordinance further states in 10-34(1)(b) that an animal is considered running at large when found “on any of the public streets, alleys, parks, or other public grounds of the city, or when off the premises of the owner or person having custody and control of such animal unless held in leash.”
The same section also requires owners to immediately remove pet waste left on public or private property.
As warmer weather brings more residents outdoors, city officials continue encouraging responsible pet ownership. For dog owners, that starts with a simple rule: if your dog leaves your property, the leash should come with it.
Kayla Wolf, Animal Control/Humane Officer with the Marshfield Police Department, said enforcement depends on the circumstances of each complaint.
“Enforcement for these calls are really on a case by case situation. If this is a first time offense for the owner, I like to educate them on what city ordinance is, and also take that opportunity to ask about the dog’s license status,” she said. “If the dog(s) isn’t/aren’t licensed, I use this as an educational opportunity to inform the owner about state statute and city ordinance regarding licensing. If this is a repeat offender, then citations are issued.”
For owners who believe their dog is friendly enough not to need a leash, Wolf said that mindset can overlook how unpredictable animals can be and how others may react.
“I would say that, while the animal may be friendly with you, the owner, doesn’t mean that the animal is friendly with everyone. Every animal is capable of acting out of character without any warning,” she said.
“You, the owner of the dog, don’t know everyone’s history with dogs. Some people have bite histories with dogs and having an unknown dog run up to them without warning, can bring up the stress and trauma from their previous incident,” she added.
“I have been in this field of work for the last eight years and I’ve seen friendly family dogs bite the child in the house and the dog didn’t give any indication that it was going to bite. I’ve had many owners tell me their dog is well trained, yet while having a conversation with the owner, they try to call the dog back to them and the dog doesn’t listen. No matter how friendly the dog, nor how well trained, you cannot control the dog at all times if it’s not on a leash.”
As both an officer and a dog owner, Wolf said she understands why some people trust their pets, but said responsible ownership means planning for the unexpected.
“As a fellow dog owner myself, I know how easy it is to think that ‘My dog is friendly and wouldn’t hurt anyone!’ But the truth is, anything is possible,” she said. “Some dogs don’t like certain people, whatever the reason may be. For the safety of the dog, and the members of the community, all dogs need to be current on their rabies vaccination, have a current license with the city of Marshfield, and whenever off the owner’s property, the dog must be leashed.”
Residents concerned about a loose dog are encouraged to report it by contacting the Wood County Dispatch Center non-emergency number at 715-387-4394.
Author: News Desk
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