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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0642.080 2020-2022 P/ cl C bi11 195 M UT2 .rig, 1 Y U11- H1 A Ie From: amy gan Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2022 11:32 AtVIZRIZ 37 To: Council Testimony Subject: Revised for typos and grammatical errors: Bill 125 Vicious Dog Attacks Testimony Hello, I am glad some headway is finally being made about this subject. We have lived on the Big Island for over 12 years and have spent almost all our time in Ocean View. I have witnessed the growing problems related to the increased number of irresponsible pet owners and their un-neutered, uncared for and rapidly expanding population of dogs running loose on their often unfenced properties to wander, confront, aggressively harass, and attack other property owners and their animals in the community. Within 1 block of a single street in OV, I can point out at least 2 property owners, who between them, own at least 12 if not more such animals who often leave their owner's property onto the street to aggressively bark, growl and harass us and our leashed pet when we take her out for a walk. If we are lucky, the owner will actually shout at his dogs, that don't actually listen to his instructions to stop, and the best he can do, is provide a lame 'sorry'. We have witnessed these same dogs on the property, run down our street chasing after automobiles beyond the block. I feel so distraught from the lack of responsibility demonstrated by these pet owners, and also the sense of entitlement they feel to not just inconvenience, but also passive-aggresively threaten their neighbors, other property owners, and residents which also include children and the elderly, in this way. Consequently, we eventually concluded that for our dog to have a 'safe'walk, we would either have to arm ourselves while doing so, or drive her to another place outside of the subdivision. Being a dog owner since childhood and having lived on a different Hawaiian island, other states within the country, as well as cities in other countries, this is the most absurd situation that I have ever found myself in - being in danger from dogs of irresponsible property owners and feral dog packs. I have felt safer hiking or camping alone in deserts or forests filled with wild animals In other cities, states and countries, than I do here. Such situations would have never occured in those places because of strict pet owner accountability laws, and efficient animal control programs. This situation has beem escalating in severity over the years that we've been here. The sense of pet owner complacency has built up primarily because the problems and needs of this community tend to be neglected, ignored, overlooked and brushed aside like the unworthy, insignificant and embarrassing black sheep step-child of the county and state, so dealing with animal attacks is actually one of less dangerous problems we have here, but we have to begin somewhere to at least publicly address one among many of the problems faced by this community. I sincerely hope that this bill will be passed to help the long term and new residents who live here find some respite, and improve the 'livability' index of this community, and raise it up from the armpit of Ka'u and Big Island hell. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Amy Gan Ocean View resident P.S. I have smart phone videos of said dogs in my neighborhood. Comm. No, ov ROE To: Q Ref. arta 2122 1