I am an avid runner, a board member of the Durango Running Club and an animal lover. During the past month while running along the Animas River Trail, I have been attacked twice and bitten by dogs.
In both cases, the irresponsible owners of the dogs failed to restrain their animals. These frequent and uninitiated dog attacks have made me reconsider whether our treasured stretch of traffic-free pavement along the Animas River is safe for running, walking or bicycling.
In Durango, we have a wonderful community that encourages outdoor activity. I implore dog owners to help keep the river trail a safe place where people can experience the outdoors without the constant threat of being attacked by an unleashed or unrestrained dog.
If your dog has a tendency to bite or attack people, please consider using the dog park instead of the river trail. Also, I would like to see the city of Durango enact stricter laws that impose heavier fines on violators of the existing leash law. Let’s keep the Animas River Trail a recreational resource that can be enjoyed by all users.
Steven Fenster
Durango
