Jackson resident looks for clarification on leash laws
JACKSON, Tenn. — If you own a dog, do you have to keep your pet on a leash? The answer is both yes and no. A WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News viewer contacted us confused about the rules after he said his dog was attacked while walking on a leash. Kenny Holt said the neighboring dog charged his 10-year-old boxer, Murphy. “He has several injuries and was all bloody from the attack last night,” Holt said. Murphy’s vet bills cost around $200, according to Holt. Holt said the duo now will have to walk a different route in the LANA neighborhood. “We’ve talked about altering the route or doing it earlier or later to avoid this particular family when they let the dog out.” “It’s frustrating when dog owners don’t take responsibility for their dogs,” Holt said. “But then when they don’t take responsibility for the actions, that just compounds the problem.” State laws state dog owners are required to keep their dogs under “reasonable control at all times.” But the dog doesn’t have to be on a leash if they obey verbal commands. Running freely is also prohibited, but there are exceptions. For instance, if a dog is provoked, protecting its owner or behind a fence. Michael Ward said he and his dog Jupiter walk through downtown Jackson multiple times each week. Ward said he uses a leash because of the state laws. “I don’t want him to run off.” State laws say a dog’s owner could be held liable for injuries the pet causes. In both attacks, Holt said he reported the attacks to the Jackson Police Department.
