Who Let the Dogs Out? Or Good Fences Make Good Neighbors!

Nov 15

“He only says, “Good fences make good neighbors.””

— Poem Mending Wall by Robert Frost

**What’s Wrong with This Scene?**

**Halloween** was supposed to be a night of fun and excitement for kids in **da ‘Burgh**. But in **Pittsburgh**, **Halloween** turned **into a nightmare** when…

Aaaugh! Of all the nick-nack paddy wack give a dog a bone…of all the irresponsible things that give some dogs a bad reputation. What had happened was… Halloween was supposed to be a night of fun and excitement for kids in da ‘Burgh. But in Pittsburgh, Halloween turned into a nightmare when an irresponsible dog owner failed to secure their pets on one of the busiest nights of the year for foot traffic. As a result, a situation that could have been prevented quickly spiraled into chaos, with neighbors having to intervene to prevent potential harm to trick-or-treating children.

The key word here is containment. Dogs need proper fencing, adequate enclosures, and clear warning signs. If you can’t afford secure containment or don’t have a suitable yard, then owning a dog — particularly one that might react to unfamiliar faces or costumes — may not be responsible. Failure to contain dogs doesn’t just endanger others; it also opens up a Pandora’s box of legal and financial issues. Property owners, like landlords, can be held liable, face lawsuits, or even have their insurance canceled if their tenant’s dog is involved in an incident.

On a night filled with little ones dressed up and roaming the neighborhood, some Pit Bull dogs escaped their yard. When they encountered children and adults passing by, the situation escalated. Thankfully, a few brave neighbors stepped in, preventing the dogs from reaching any children. However, those neighbors suffered bites and bruises, requiring emergency care.

Tragically, one of the dogs had to be put down due to the incident — a sad but direct consequence of the owner’s negligence. This incident serves as a reminder that proper dog ownership includes securing your pet, especially on nights like Halloween when unfamiliar sights and sounds can easily startle animals.

This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of responsibility and containment for dog owners. Owning a dog isn’t just about love and companionship; it’s about ensuring the safety of others and the well-being of the pet. If you have a dog, especially one that may react unpredictably to new people or situations, please remember: proper containment isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Fences make good neighbors, especially when you have a dog who might react unpredictably around strangers. On a night like Halloween, with children in costumes roaming the streets and unexpected noises everywhere, a secure fence is more than a boundary—it’s a safeguard for everyone. Containing your dog helps prevent any accidental encounters, reducing the risk of bites and keeping trick-or-treaters safe. Responsible pet ownership means taking precautions, and a well-maintained fence is a key part of that, providing peace of mind for both you and your neighbors.