Dear Red Phone,
“I saw a lost dog on my way home. I couldn’t stop to pick it up because I have a dog at home who doesn’t like other dogs. It’s a beautiful boxer. I called the police line and was told they don’t come out to pick up loose dogs. They only pick up a dog if it’s contained. Well, you know what? A lost dog is not contained, it’s lost. And it’s wandering. She said animal control won’t pick up a loose dog and I said that’s just worthless. And it is. They’ve got to change that policy. The animal control people are supposed to be helping animals, not refusing to chase them. Geez.”
Dear reader, the following is a response from GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza. We hope you find this helpful.
“These types of calls are a bit complicated at times and they are not what they may appear to a passerby. What may seem as a lost dog often is a neighborhood dog that makes its way home before animal control personnel is available to respond. When we receive these types of calls, often the reporting party does not remain in visual contact with the animal and on occasions wait until they arrive at home to call. This in turn makes for a fruitless response. If the animal is in danger (in traffic) and/or appears aggressive we will dispatch available resources to include police officers. Unfortunately, dogs often times find their way out of backyards and residences. Most community members are familiar with their neighborhood dogs. Often, a true lost dog finds its way to a location where it could be captured. This is what is termed as contained. We remind community members to secure enclosures and to utilize a leash when in public and never try to approach or capture an aggressive dog.”
