Coming soon to your neighborhood?Due to recent dog-bite incidents and an increased number of complaints, Maui Humane Society (MHS) CEO Jocelyn Bouchard says the organization has suspended its practice of warning and educating dog owners prior to enforcing their zero-tolerance policy for leash law violations. Starting immediately, any violation that’s confirmed or observed by law enforcement will result in a penalty of up to $500. Besides the obvious potential for injury, unleashed dogs can also cause traffic accidents, even if they manage to escape injury themselves.
Many dog owners probably didn’t know what they signed up for when they adopted that cute puppy at the pound. According to Cesar Milan, the famous Dog Whisperer, dogs have three essential needs: exercise, discipline and affection—in that order. Discipline and affection are easy. But depending on the type of dog, meeting its No. 1 need can be challenging, especially for a renter with limited or no yard access.
It is a fact that well-exercised dogs are better neighbors. Animals that get proper exercise and socialization are less likely to act aggressively to other animals and people, and less likely to bark excessively. The American Kennel Club, the Dog Whisperer, the county, MHS, most dog owners and many dog-less residents agree: Dog parks provide a safe venue where dogs can exercise and socialize safely. Dog parks prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the rights of others in the community while making it easier for the county to enforce its leash laws, as dog owners with park access have no reason to allow their canine companions off-leash when outside of the park. Currently, Maui’s only off-leash park is Kilohana Dog Park in Wailea.
The county Department of Parks and Recreation has been working with MHS to establish preliminary steps needed to set up these long overdue canine playgrounds. MHS Capt. Aimee Anderson has been working on the verbage for ordinance changes to allow for off-leash areas. Bouchard is collecting (right now!) contact information from those who would like to volunteer to be committee members, and those who would like to be kept informed and possibly testify or circulate petitions, if that becomes necessary. Committees formed at this time may serve as a source of dog park stewards per area and participate in upkeep of the parks.
MHS estimates that there are 25,000 dogs on Maui already. As Maui’s population increases, there will be a corresponding need for dog parks, which will be beneficial to dogs, dog owners and the community as a whole. The love people share for their dogs can reach beyond economic and social barriers and help to foster a sense of community, rather than divide it. But until Maui establishes these parks, pet owners are left to walk their dogs on a thin line between a dangerous rock and an expensive hard place.
A timeline of action steps is imminent. To find out how you can support these efforts and be part of the solution, contact Bouchard at jbouchard@mauihumanesociety.org.