Los Alamos County Senior Animal Control Ofc. Theresa Phelan shares recommendations on dealing with reactive dogs. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Stepping outside with a dog can lead to anything: leashes entangling furry legs, face-offs with geese, barking spats with other canines and more. A letter to the editor, published Dec. 17, 2024 in the Los Alamos Daily Post (link), detailed a more serious incident in which a dog suffered an attack so severe that it required veterinary care and caused injury to its owner.
The point is, the unexpected can always occur but there are measures pet owners and the public can take to ensure successful outdoor outings for everyone.
Have a reactive dog? Los Alamos County Senior Animal Control Officer Theresa Phelan made a few suggestions.
Pet owners can walk with their dogs with a double leash, she said; one attached to the dog’s collar, and one secured on a harness. If a dog bites, the owner could make it wear a muzzle when going for a walk.
Avoiding dog parks is another suggestion.
On the flip side, if a someone is walking and they encounter an aggressive dog, Phelan said, “they have a right to protect themselves and their property.”
Walking sticks are good to have and she recommended perhaps the simplest and easiest method: cross the street.
One thing Phelan advised against was using pepper spray.
“I found it doesn’t stop aggressive dogs and there is a small window to get away,” she said.
Plus, the wind can change direction, and the person can hit themselves with the spray instead.
Phelan also encourages calling the non-emergency line 505.662.8222 or 911.
There is an ordinance in the Los Alamos County Code that states it is “unlawful for any owner or keeper to permit a dog or any other animal when not on the property of its keeper to menace the persons or domestic animals of others.”
It is further stated in the ordinance that if found guilty in Municipal Court of having a menacing pet, the animal and its owner attend training sessions or other treatment and the owner is responsible for the costs. They would also be responsible for any veterinary bill or medication and damages to any equipment.
Regarding animal bites, according to the ordinance, “every case of an animal biting a person shall be reported to the animal control officer who may order the offending animal to be confined at any time during the 10 days following the bite. No animal shall be placed for adoption during the 10-day period following a bite.”
As far local pet owners following the ordinance, Phelan give them high marks.
“It’s a really responsible County as far as pet owners and being watchful of others,” she said.
Getting calls about aggressive dogs is not a big occurrence, Phelan added.
One thing to be wary of are other predators like coyotes or mountain lions. If dog does get into a fight, Phelan said not to try and get in the middle or attempt to pull a dog away – there a risk of being bitten. The best response is to call dispatch at 505.662.8222.
Resources available to pet owners include:
Animal Humane NM Behavioral Helpline
505.938.7900
BehaviorHelpline@AnimalHumaneNM.org
Animal Protection New Mexico
505-265-2322
https://apnm.org/contact
New Mexico Game and Fish Department
Northwest Regional Office
505.222.4700 – Monday through Friday
To Request Assistance from a Conservation Officer Outside Regular Business Hours:
Call New Mexico State Police Dispatch
505.841.9256
https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/home
New Mexico Wildlife Center
505.753.9505
19 Wheat St., Española, NM 87532
https://newmexicowildlifecenter.org
There are infinite number of scenarios that pets and their owners can encounter and Phelan said it really comes down to owners using their best judgement.
“They know their dog better than anyone,” she said. “If their dog has behavioral issues, they just need to be aware of it and take precautions…”