REASONS WHY IT’S NOT SAFE TO LET YOUR DOG ROAM FREE

• Collisions: Even isolated roads have traffic. Maybe your dog has never crossed the road before, but that can change if it sees another animal. Vehicular collisions account for a high percentage of vet visits. Many of these dogs do not survive. Drivers attempting to avoid a collision with your pet could crash as well.

• Ice: Several years ago, a Great Dane puppy that was allowed to roam fell through the marsh ice in Rockville. It was in the frigid water for close to an hour. Despite a heroic rescue by the Yarmouth Fire Department the pup died of hypothermia.

• Diseases and parasites: Your dog can come across disease-carrying substances from animal feces, dead wildlife, and even other living animals. They can easily contract an infectious disease. Some of these cannot be cured.

• Injury to or from other animals: Your dog could wound or kill a wild or beloved domesticated pet, or come in contact with a porcupine, skunk or coyote pack.

• Nuisance: Digging up gardens, defecating and/or urinating on other people's property and frightening children or adults are other reasons to keep your dog secured.

• Legal consequences: Many areas have leash laws, meaning you could be fined for allowing your dog to roam free. In some cases, your dog could even be taken from you.

• Lost or stolen: Your dog may wander too far one day and never make it back. It might be mistaken as a stray and taken to a shelter, or taken in by another family. Someone could also steal it.