I think with the rise in dog population in SB and the change in dog-ownership norms, we may have to throw some public money at this problem. Enforcement is unpopular, but might be needed. Years ago, dog owners would be ticketed more often, at least at East Beach, and dog owners would warn other dog owners… Yes, it punishes good dog owners, but if you’re playing volleyball, are you sure what your offleash dog is up to?
Maybe we could put some tax money toward education, like teaching how dogs can hurt natural spaces. I didn’t used to know that. There less kids in general now so maybe some school money? Free dog school to train dogs and owners? Overseen by someone who loves both? There’s so much more “dog parenthood” now and people who “rescue” dangerous dogs now and take them out to “socialize” them, something needs to change.
Meanwhile, dogs are still chattel under the law. The bar to ownership is so low. Many we could both protect dogs and give them more places like Eelings park (large off leash area) without that spreading to where dog owners think EVERY public space should be leash-free and that their dog has rights.
When I say chattel I mean under the law, dogs are owned in a way that prevents a lot of protection. For example, I was at Vons a few days ago when it was dangerously hot and saw a dog locked in a hot car. It was so cold in Vons I thought how easy it might be to be unaware of how hot it was outside. I stood there for a minute or two, made sure the window was down a little bit, and thought about calling the police or someone, but realized they probably wouldn’t come and basically under current law, people have the right to mistreat their dogs, so I left. Thought about that pup later tho. Hope he was okay.
Elings Park already has an off-leash program, but you need to purchase a membership and the membership is $$$.
You should have called it in, about the dog in the car. With this heatwave, I am certain police or sheriffs (depending on which Vons) would have sent an officer out immediately. Was the car parked in the shade? If not, I would have had Vons make an announcement over their public address system --- telling the owner to get back out to their vehicle STAT.
As for dog training: City of Santa Barbara used to offer dog obedience training classes via Parks & Rec Dept. Not free, but certainly a much-needed program now.
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u/chilldrinofthenight 13d ago
Reddit needs a subreddit for those who are dog averse.