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Mr. Jim Baca September 27, 1999 Dear Mayor Baca: In your letter, you stated we cannot negate the ordinances which exist for both our protection and the protection of our canine companions. I agree with you. We need leash laws. What I am asking this city to consider is a program that "evolves" existing laws. This ties into my second point, you stated that you are sure that I, as you, have trained my canine companion to behave responsibly. This is correct. I have gone further than normal pet socialization. Kobe is a therapy dog. We visit local hospitals and nursing homes. His character, enthusiasm for life and general temperament assists others in their healing and recovery processes. In addition, Kobe is our child. We are a family of three. As you are aware, our planet is overcrowded. Many scientists believe human existence is destroying the environment. We subscribe to these theories. While children are wonderful, we believe we should forgo bringing additional humans into the world at this time. We may change this belief as we learn more, but for now, Kobe fills this space in our lives and our hearts. We recognize everyone does not love Kobe, or dogs in general, as we do. We work hard to ensure he does not bother others. He is extremely smart. He scored Canine Genius on a Channel 13 Intelligence Test. He differentiates which dogs he may approach and greet as well as which humans welcome his affections. Therefore, I allow him a great deal of freedom. What I would like to suggest is that the City of Albuquerque implement a trial program. We have entitled this program RSVP -- Responsibly Socialized and Verbally-controlled Pets. I volunteer to assist you and others interested in this issue. As a committee, we would develop standards for the program. Interested participants would pay a fee, for example, $35 in the first year, to have their pet tested. Participating canines would be required to have city licenses, shots and complete the approved training. In subsequent years, participants would pay an annual fee, say $10, to remain in the program. This would be a user-supported program. We would grant RSVP canines the freedom to walk, run or play as long as their adult companion supervised their activities. This program allows canines the opportunity to chase a Frisbee, a ball or each other. It allows canines to sniff from tree to tree in a park. While I like the idea of dog parks, there are a number of problems with this solution. First, I believe that if you designate a particular park in this area as a dog park, it will increase the pet use population of that park significantly. I do not have a problem with the canines, it is their human counterparts. Humans do not do a good job of policing their petŐs droppings. The parks in this area are multiple use facilities. I have a difficult time asking for a dog park believing it might increase the amount of droppings. If I had children using the park, it would upset me greatly. Second, I have done considerable research for the City of Albuquerque on the park system. One of the major complaints from users is the distance they must drive to engage in particular activities. In general, participants want neighborhood parks designated for all uses. It does not make sense to increase traffic congestion. This is why we do not frequent Roosevelt Park. It is too far and we do not have the time to travel this distance. One solution would be to designate all parks as doggy parks -- during the stated hours. This would not necessarily increase significantly the canine population at a particular park. Yet, I do not have an answer for the doggy dropping problem. One recommendation is to place more signs at parks regarding the responsibility to clean up. Another is to have the city install containers to hold plastic bags. Participants could voluntarily stock the receptacles. In many cases, well-intentioned humans have forgotten or used their plastic bags. These are just some general thoughts. I did not want to make a formal suggestion at this time, but I did want you to know that WE have put some thought into this problem. I say WE because a group of us formed an ad hoc committee last year. WE refer to our group as the Academy Hills K-9 Kids. I informed the group this past weekend of your response to my article and letter. They were most excited. The group thanks you deeply for your sincere interest. As such, we are meeting this upcoming Saturday, October 2nd, at 9:00am at the Academy Hills park. This park is near the intersection of Juan Tabo and Eubank. We will meet at the sand/playground and swing area. While we realize how busy you are, we would love to have the opportunity to talk to you at this time. We have tasked ourselves to come up with a formal plan to submit to your office. Again, I thank you sincerely for your interest and attention to this important problem. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do. Sincerely,
Scott Goold |
  
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