Editor, OBSERVER:
It seems more and more people today have the "who cares what they think" and "who's going to stop me" attitude toward their neighbors property and right to peacefulness that each of us are entitled to.
If your dog or dogs are off a leash, they should be on your property only, when the zoning law requires it.
When your dog defecates on private property or commercial property; it is only common decency to clean up after them. Regardless if the owner or tenants aren't home, this would be common courtesy.
When many of us are at work, school, running errands, on vacation and even late at night; some take the liberty to walk their dogs and not pick up after them when no one is looking.
It makes me think of when certain individuals request others to take their shoes off when entering their house, but when they come to yours they march right in without even thinking or a care. Many of these dog owners don't use their own yards or property when it is time for Fido to go out.
I am a dog owner and realize there are instances when some might forget their bags or someone else is walking our dogs for us and not used to picking up after dogs. Most of these people are intentional repeat offenders.
Then you have those neighbors who disregard our property lines. We had our property markers removed and planted over. We spent thousands of dollars on fencing and still have issues.
It appears that some people have problems with conforming to local laws and realizing others have the right to own, occupy, maintain and enjoy their property being their house, apartment and their land without undue grief and harassment caused by others selfish behavior.
CHERYL OVIATT,
Silver Creek
Recent photo 'disturbing'
Editor, OBSERVER:
I am writing in regards to a recent photo that was in the OBSERVER. It's really sad when someone takes pleasure in photographing a dead dog, lying in a ripped garbage bag with its tongue hanging out.
As an animal lover I find it extremely disturbing that the OBSERVER would even print such a thing. You can't find any useful photos to put in?
Through personal experiences with the current animal control officer, I think the city should be happy we finally have a good, kind-hearted dog catcher who actually does his job and does it well. The animal control officer is controlled by the city, therefore follows his orders. Grant you, I feel he could have found a more discreet dumpster in which to dispose of dead animals, and I'm sure he'll do so in the future.
Shame shouldn't lie in the hands of the dog catcher doing his job, but with the person who felt in necessary to publish such a heartbreaking photo.
I think an apology should be given to the owners of the deceased dog. Can you imagine opening the paper to see your family member displayed this way? Because I sure can't!
Shame on you, OBSERVER, for such poor taste in photographs.
MICHELE
KRYSTOFIAK,
Dunkirk
