Draft McGrath's Dogs

From: <Mark.McGrath@troyny.gov>
Date: June 14, 2018 at 4:02:14 PM EDT
To: <David.Bissember@troyny.gov>, <AllCityCouncilMembers@troyny.gov>
Cc: <Mara.Drogan@troyny.gov>, <Monica.Kurzejeski@troyny.gov>, <patrick.madden@troyny.gov>, <kevin.mcdonaugh@troyny.gov>
Subject: Dogs

I will be unable to attend tonight’s meeting but would like to offer my opinion. As you can see, I’m the proud owner of these two majestic beasts. Both are over 90 pounds, are fit, very social, well trained and well cared for. They are both unpredictable. As a dog owner it’s “my responsibility” to make sure my dogs are safe and the public is safe from my dogs. As I read Andy's financial assessment the legislation would create a larger expenditure than the one we already assume to protect the public from strays. I love dogs but I understand not everyone feels that way. Why should folks have to pay (additional) taxes when they don’t have or even like dogs. If there is a revenue stream someone has come up with to fill the gap in lease let me know. Maybe the city could ask the humane society to eat the thousands the taxpayers will have to pick up? A quick story, a neighbor who has the brother of one of my dogs was irresponsible and let his dogs roam. The school would call me to say my dog was at the school, they were laying by the door. Kevin, who knows my neighbor, gave him multiple warnings about the dog being loose. Finally he was taken and the fines and process began. Like a miracle a fence was installed and they haven’t been out since. The fine woke him up. Again, owning a dog comes with responsibility. I’m not willing to charge others through taxes because of someone’s irresponsibility. Thanks.
Sent from my iPhone