Stronger rules needed for pet owners

Last week I read with sadness about the Shih Tzu that was killed by a pit bull in Wauconda’s Cook Park.

Today I read with equal sadness that the pit bull had been euthanized.

This dog was once again found wandering around unattended, with no leash and no tags. As a second-time offender, he lost his life.

But whose fault is it that this dog was out on his own? Until we start holding these owners responsible, pit bulls and other bully breeds are never going to get a break.

Dogs aren’t born mean and aggressive. Abuse and neglect and antagonism baits these otherwise loving dogs and preys on their primal instincts.

This dog should have been taken away from these irresponsible owners after the first attack. The owners should have been heavily fined, not allowed to own a pet again, and been put on a Do Not Adopt list at local shelters.

Until we enforce more stringent rules, we will continue to see these sad and avoidable situations. Two lives could have been saved, but now no one wins.

Jamie Jones

Wauconda