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Show DOG POPULATION ON UPSURGE Much has been said recently regarding the increase of population in Pleasant Grove and this is of course all to the good. Most of us like pecpk-., and when the numerous new henries are occupied by our own young folks and by high-type newcomers from other areas, the resultant result-ant effect upon our economy and social well-being is most rewarding. Like ovei-ylhing else these day, increases in population bring now civic problems and makes more complex the problems we already have. With the increase in population has come an upsurge in the number of dogs, running and cavorting on the streets, lawns and fields of the local area. In fact, on one occasion this week we observed 16 canines of various var-ious sizes, shapes and descriptions, holding a social gathering on a front yard of a neighbor's home. The spectacle, though interesting to the dogs, was most disgusting to residents of the area. City officials are hard put '.o cope with the situation. Numerous Led; phone calls are received each day from irate citizens who complain that valuable livestock is being harassed and damaged by roving dog-packs dog-packs and from those -whose sleep is being disturbed by howling and barking dogs. According to Section 198 of the City Ordinances, it is unlawful for Ihe owner of any cl-::g to permit said dog to run at large between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. of any day. And, section 197 prohibits the keeping of a dog, which by barking, yelping or howling disturbs the peace. The laws is clear in these matters and dog owners who are guilty of these violations should take heed. Of course, dogs are no respectors of the time of day. And those kept locked up at night often run at large1 during the daylight hours. In this connection the Mayor has within his power the right to instruct city officers to pick up and impound any unlicensed dogs found roaming roam-ing about within the city limits. This is good so far as it goes; but even licensed dogs can cause considerable damage and annoyance if peimitted to leave tne owners premises during the daytime. There is a moral obligation in this repect far beyond the legal aspects and citizens who own dogs should measure up toi the responsibility respon-sibility that such ownership entails. |