Residents urge leash-law change after neighbor walks two unleashed dogs; mayor to review ordinance with city lawyer

Two Macedonia residents raised concerns during public comment on April 10 about a neighbor who they say repeatedly walks two dogs off-leash and does not pick up animal waste. The residents identified themselves as Maureen and Tracy, gave their Oaktree addresses, and asked the council to initiate a change to the city’s animal ordinance so that every dog walked on public streets must be on a leash regardless of how many dogs the walker has.

Maureen and Tracy said they had documented the conduct with photos and video and had reported incidents to police; they told the council that officers respond but the problem continues. "She doesn't technically have to leash either one of those animals," a council member summarized during the discussion, citing the current ordinance language as explained at the meeting: only a female dog in heat is explicitly required to be leashed under the present code; otherwise the ordinance requires animals be "in control" but does not specify leash requirements for ordinary walking.

The mayor told the residents he would review the ordinance with the city lawyer and consider whether changes are appropriate. Council members encouraged the residents to continue contacting officers about ongoing incidents so the enforcement history is documented. One councilor offered to work with the residents to draft possible ordinance language if they wish to pursue a legislative change.

Ending: The mayor said staff will examine the ordinance and follow up; no legislative change was introduced at the April 10 meeting, and officers will continue to respond to resident complaints under the current ordinance wording.