Officials asked to get the scoop on Oakwood's dogs
Number of dog waste disposal spots, safety of electric fences at issue.
Oakwood is a walkOAKWOOD — able city for people and pooches alike, and city officials have been asked about a few ways to make the community’s walkways even nicer for pets and their people.
City council recently heard from a resident who wondered whether there could be more Dogipot stations around town for walkers who clean up after their pets.
“I am a rabid dog lover and dog walker. One thing that I know is that people in this area care deeply about their yards and their landscaping,” said Greg Derus, who has lived in Oakwood for five years. “Is it possible to get more dog disposal trash cans throughout the city? I walk a good five miles a day with my dogs and I run into maybe one or two cans in the walk.
“I am one of the people that actually picks up after my dog. So it is a real big concern for me,” he said. “It would be awesome to get some more of those.”
Derus also asked whether invisible electric fences could be set back away from sidewalks far enough that pet walkers won’t have to worry about other dogs in yards.
“Invisible fencing is a major concern. I own two pit bulls and we foster pit bulls. I have a sixfoot privacy fence that I make sure I keep my dogs very secure and locked into not that they are a danger, but it is just a good policy,” he said.
Derus said while walking his 80-pound pit bull, it can get agitated when other dogs come running at him.
“There are a number of electronic fences in Oakwood that the line goes literally up to the sidewalk or the street when there is no sidewalk. It’s a major concern because I can tell you right now I have seen dogs go through those and they (fences) are not 100 percent safe,” he said.
Mayor Bill Duncan said there are a number of Dogipots around the community, several located in parks. “We have 14 of them currently in the city and they each cost around $375,” Duncan said. “There is an issue of ongoing maintenance as well. We are taking a look at that as to do we want to add any more to various areas that might be less well served than others. We will take a look at that.
“As it relates to the invisible fences, there are some issues with private property rights that we’ve dealt with,” Duncan said. “Our police chief has dealt with that issue and he’s coming to our next meeting and perhaps we can have him address some of those issues as it relates to dealing with dogs. We recently passed an ordinance requiring that all dogs be on leashes.”