[gemy]

My observations are we live in a different world today, then 20 or 40 years ago, when dogs were allowed to walk freely beside their owners with nary an eyebrow raised.
Some dogs were kept on lead, and some not. We as children were raised to know how to behave around dogs, most especially strange dogs. No more is that generally true.

We have leash laws, and in my city, it is not technically legal to walk your dog on anything other than a 6ft lead.

Do I think dogs should be allowed to roam freely at times. A wholehearted yes. Do I think they need to? Actually yes, but that need can be sublimated through alternative activities. But I do think it is a great loss, as slowly mile by mile, sidewalk by sidewalk, the dog owning population gets hemmed in by more and more rules, laws, bylaws, etc.

It is a tide of change I'd like to reverse, but truly have no idea how to do that.

And I do wonder about what I perceive to be the marginalization of dog owners, and the at times laws/bylaws that get passed to restrict our activities in view of the "greater public good".

As a civilization we need to live together ideally in harmony. Well wake up folks that means as a tax paying citizen, my dog and I should be able to enjoy our public parks and conservation areas. If you don't like it, fine deal with it.