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I am a resident of Plymouth. Unfortunately, the town has deteriorated over the last decade for many reasons.
It’s sad because this used to be a nice town.
I believe the problems could be reversed if the laws were enforced. For example, I have one complaint that might seem trivial to some people: the leash law. I do think this town has one, but you would not know it. I, over the many years that I lived here, had several encounters with unleashed dogs while trying to walk mine. Twice, I had my dogs attacked, resulting in veterinarian bills amounting to hundreds of dollars. Thank goodness my pets were not killed.
Sadly, the encounters continue. One recent morning I attempted to walk my dogs, as I do every morning, but as I stepped off my porch onto the sidewalk, I noticed two pit bulls coming up the street. I quickly picked up my dog (I have to walk them one at a time because, with experience, I found it easier to save one than having both together) and went in the house, but not before they were at my porch. They stayed and would not leave.
My wife called the police, got the answering machine and left a message. After no response, I called 911. I did this because I did not feel it was safe to go out or let my dogs in my yard. The operator told me they would call the police.
The police called back and said they do not handle dogs because they do not have insurance that covers dogs. They would only come if the animals were being aggressive or if someone was attacked.
After a while the dogs left, or so I thought. I took one of my dogs and attempted to walk around the block. After a short way, I was again approached by these dogs. I was able to get home, but not without them jumping up on me, trying to get at my dog.
Back at my house they got on my porch while my wife was out there; they pushed through the gate at my porch entrance and ripped my front window screen, trying to get at my dog at the window.
Nice Sunday morning, wouldn’t you say?
To make a long story short, my neighbors took care of the situation. It would have been nice to get a courtesy visit by the police, but I guess that is too much to ask.
I have had it with this “we can’t do anything about it” response.
The next encounter I have with dogs will be much different. No phone calls will be made. The dogs will get covered with pepper spray, and if they come on my property, they will die.
Ed Hobbs
Plymouth