Why ponding basins are closed
A recent letter was written requesting that ponding basins be opened. I was in total agreement until the writer made the statement about watching the dogs play while she walked the perimeter of the basin.
Hello? That’s exactly the problem.
Due to this mindset, all of the basins remain closed. Before the closure, I would check for any dogs present and would enter with my dog on a leash, otherwise I would stay away.
Sure enough, in more times than not, someone would arrive, let their dogs out leash free to roam the basin. Guess where they went – right to me and my dog and they’re excited and not friendly. Unfortunately, I have witnessed a dog fight – more than once. It’s horrible and something that stays with you forever.
Dogs act on instinct. If they’re not leashed/controlled by their owner, everyone in that scenario is vulnerable. The logic of the letter written is the exact reason we can no longer access the ponding basins.
Yes, I miss going to mine because of thoughtless people who continue to lack the understanding of the leash law. It’s there for a reason.
A.E. Lantis, Fresno
This story was originally published August 15, 2015 at 9:12 AM with the headline "Why ponding basins are closed."