Loose Leash Leads To Controversy

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Created on Tuesday, 03 November 2015 18:55
Written by Kaitlyn Manktelow

doggie leashST. JOHNSBURY- Controversy over St. Johnsbury's leash laws have sparked after an incident that left ten beloved birds dead. For the past eight months, Philip Aldridge and Nicole Daigneault have been raising chickens and ducks but this all changed when a neighbor's dog got loose and killed some of them.

Last week, on October 26th, Philip Aldridge recieved a distraught call from his stepson who witnessed this attack. "He told me a dog had gotten into our chicken coop and had killed some of our birds. There were bits, pieces, feathers and then everything else had scattered." Aldridge said, recounting the phone call.

 The dog belongs to Aldridge's neighbor, Reg Haselton. Haselton says he feels bad about the entire incident. Aldridge states that he and other members of the community want there to be more accountability for owners who cannot control their dogs. In this case, Haselton was not fined due to the circumstances of the incident. Aldridge and Daneyo have decided not to file a civil court case against him.

Animal Control officer Candace Dane says these matters are taken very seriously by the police department and herself. In order for a dog to be considered "running at large" they must NOT be on a leash, in a vehicle, on the owner's property, on the propety of another owner with that person's permission or hunting with the owner.

Haselton is now looking for a new home for his canine despite town policies not forcing him to give away his dog. With this not being the first time his pet has broken free, Haselton feels this is the best option for everyone. If anyone is searching for information on their town's leash laws, fines and requirements they should contact their town clerk.

St. Johnsbury Leash Laws from NewsLINC on Vimeo.