I am a born and raised lifelong Durango resident, dog lover, trail runner and user.
I have been encountering more and more people on the trails, walkers, runners, mountain bikers, etc. I frequent the Colorado Trail, Log Chutes, Dry Fork, Dalla Mountain and Animas Mountain, Overend Mountain, Perrins Peak, Fort Lewis trails, Twin Buttes, Smelter Mountain, Horse Gulch and Three Springs trails.
Recreationists choose to bring their dogs with them and I rarely see a leash. I have been bitten, growled at, scratched, jumped on and more. The owner’s voice control amounts to, “my dog is friendly.”
I have read the city of Durango’s leash laws, Durango Trails (formerly Trails 2000) leash suggestions and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife leash laws. They all either require or encourage dogs to be leashed or under voice control.
What is most disturbing is feeling threatened by noncompliant dog owners and trail users who appear to be exempt and uncaring to the broader community of trail users.
Doesn’t this take away from a trail experience for everyone including their furry friends? May we agree, all dogs on all trails are on a leash at all times. What can you do to help?
Katie Walsh
Durango
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