Dogs should be leashed, controlled in Thornden Park to avoid potential attacks

Thornden Park is a beautiful city park that is used and enjoyed by the whole community. Earlier this week, I was walking my dog with two of my grandchildren. As we were passing the athletic field, I noticed a young lady letting her dog out of a parked Audi and I told her to put her dog on a leash. No response from her, but the young male driver of the car told me to mind my own business.

My response was that dogs are supposed to be leashed and that is the law. He again rudely told me to mind my own business. The couple were SU students.

We proceeded to walk to the pond and the rose garden passing other people who were walking dogs with a leash protecting both their dogs and other dogs and children.

I have personally experienced several attacks on my dog by unleashed canines. It is a very frightening and dangerous experience that I don’t wish on anyone.

You may think you know your dog, but they are reactive animals that need to be guided by thinking owners.  The bottom line is that you, the owner, are responsible for what your dog does. The leash law is in force in Syracuse.

Please respect the community, the people and parks so that we all can enjoy the experience without worrying about uncontrolled dogs and unthinking owners.

Lorraine Marvins

Syracuse Resident