Jonathan Romeo’s in-depth article, “Durango’s No. 2 crime,” (Herald, June 2), regarding the problem of dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs on the trails in and around Durango missed a more important issue.

The article begins with a photo of Kaitlin Johnsen following the rules by carrying a bag of waste from her dogs. This photo is a perfect example of the complete lack of concern over dogs off-leash on the trails. The writer either completely failed to notice that the dogs in the photo were not on leashes, or simply does not think it is important. The fact that dogs are not on leashes contributes to the waste problem at the very least. But there are much bigger issues.

Recently, while hiking on the Junction Creek trail, my dog suffered a ferocious attack by another dog which looked to be part pit bull. The owner was trailing several paces behind and not making any attempt to control the animal. The owner was carrying a backpack and was very ill-equipped and slow to gain control over her dog.

My dog (which is always on a leash) was bitten several times; one bite resulted in severe puncture wounds. She had to walk an hour’s hike back to the trailhead, bleeding the whole way. The owner of the other dog did not stay long enough for me to fully determine my dog’s injuries before she disappeared on the trail in the opposite direction. I took note of the license plate numbers on vehicles at the trailhead then took my dog to see our veterinarian. I walked away with a $250 vet bill.

The stupidity of dog owners letting their dogs run free is astonishing and should be much more of a concern than dog waste. It’s illegal and reckless. Yet, if you travel a short distance on any trail in Durango and the surrounding area, you will see the vast majority of dogs are not leashed. It seems to me that law enforcement could spend a little time walking some local trails for a short distance.

Diann Cates

Durango