Reports of stray and loose dogs in Gustine are flooding community forums, raising safety concerns among residents. From damaged fences to aggressive incidents with other pets, the issue highlights a lack of adherence to City Ordinance Section 7-3-124, which requires owners to keep their dogs properly restrained.
Recent posts from the Gustine Community Facebook page shed light on the severity of the problem. Viviana Orozco shared, “I don’t know whose dogs these are, but they jumped both our fences, attacked my dog, and broke a part of our fence.” Her post, accompanied by photos, emphasizes the frustration many residents face in identifying negligent owners.
Sharon Maciel posted about two stray dogs on Via Borrelli, urging owners to claim their pets. Riley Szenasi reported a German Shepherd mix and a Chihuahua running loose on Fentem Street, near the high school, saying, “One had a collar, but they wouldn’t get close enough for me to check it.” Christy Chairez warned neighbors about a large white dog roaming near her home, pleading, “Dogs out! Please come get your dog.”
These incidents highlight a critical need for increased awareness and enforcement of Gustine’s restraint laws. According to Section 7-3-124, dog owners must keep their pets confined on their property or restrained by a leash while in public. Exceptions are granted only for assistance dogs, dogs in training, and certain controlled activities like hunting or obedience trials.
City officials encourage residents to report stray animals to Code Enforcement at 209-854-3737 or animal control. In response to the growing issue, there have been calls for stronger penalties for violations and public discussions on pet ownership responsibilities.
Maria Lopez, a concerned parent, expressed her fears: “I’m worried about the safety of my kids when they’re outside playing. With so many dogs running loose, it’s only a matter of time before something serious happens. I understand we only have one animal control officer, but pet owners need to take responsibility and make sure their dogs are secured.”
John Martinez, a longtime resident, praised the efforts of the animal control officer but acknowledged the need for community involvement: “Our animal control officer does a great job with the resources they have, but it’s just not enough to handle all these loose dogs. People need to step up and watch their pets—this isn’t just about laws; it’s about being a good neighbor and keeping the community safe.”
Elena Garcia, a local pet owner, emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership: “As a dog owner, I can’t imagine letting my pet roam free and cause issues for others. It’s not fair to the animal or the community. I think people forget that our animal control staff is stretched thin, so it’s up to all of us to take better care of our pets.”
Robert Firta, a retired Bay Area teacher, stressed that pet owners must take responsibility: “It’s not the city’s job to babysit every pet owner. We have one dog control person for the whole town, and they’re doing their best. If people don’t secure their dogs, they’re putting everyone—kids, other animals, and drivers—at risk. Pet owners need to take this seriously.”
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