After reading a couple of threads i'm reminded of my frustration with loose dogs in my neighborhood.

I've written in and received tons of help on how to keep my dogs from acting out on walks and what to do if I run into a stray-- thanks!!

But as to the fact that there is a small pack and lots of loose dogs... how do I go about reporting this? I've looked at my city's website on animal control, and it's all related to nuisance wild animals like racoons, possums, etc. There are phone numbers for feral cat problems... and phone numbers for dead animal removal, but nothing for stray dogs. And the local shelters are full to bursting so that if I took a dog in it would probably be denied. Not to mention the fact that I have no idea as to the temperment of these strays and if I really want to get that close!!

On another issue, how about loose dogs? They have collars, and are obviously someone's pet. On a walk the other day a dog hopped right over his fence and headed in our direction. Who do I report these to?

I'm in the San Antonio, Texas area. I'm in a neighborhood that's "coming back" so there's not really a neighborhood association or any kind of committee I can appeal to; just the city of san antonio. I was reminded of all this by the no-barking post where the poster also had loose dogs in his neighborhood. My guys bark at strays when they get too close to the fence, too. But luckily my immediate neighbors are of the opinion that they'd rather know if someone or something was close to our houses and don't complain (I've asked them a couple of times to make sure- plus one of mine howls when airplanes go over :blush.

I guess when it comes down to it, I'm torn between having them hauled off somewhere (if that's even possible) and maybe euthanized (because of the state of city shelters), or dealing with them running around the neighborhood

I think that it is better to have a pack picked up (if they can even catch them) than to have them possibly cause something newspaper worthy. THe owners get a chance to come in for their dogs and if they dont they probably shouldnt have them anyway.bad dog owners should not have it easy at good dog owners expense.

I have live traps of various kinds set up around my house for my neighbors that let their dogs and cats wander free. I did this after I got tired of my neighbors cats using my garden and flower pots as a litter box and my neighbors ignoring the issue because "kitties need to be outdoors."

So far I have caught 26 cats, 5 dogs, about 30 raccoons, one very angry skunk, and 5 possums in three years. If the dog / cat has a collar and tags I'll normally tie them to their owners door once as a courtesy along with a note to keep their pets from roaming at large. After that they can pick up their pets from the shelter or these dogs/cats can find a home where someone will care enough for them not to be run over, eaten by raccoons or cougars, or breed like rabbits.

Usually you can get live traps for free use with a deposit from various animal shelters or animal control. I bait mine with small tins of canned catfood. Wildlife is always set free where they are found since that is state law here.

 Quote: Melissa Thom

f the dog / cat has a collar and tags I'll normally tie them to their owners door once as a courtesy along with a note to keep their pets from roaming at large. After that they can pick up their pets from the shelter or these dogs/cats can find a home where someone will care enough for them not to be run over, eaten by raccoons or cougars, or breed like rabbits.

What a novel idea! Did you get positive results from this?

When we have had problems unresolved through the normal chains, we have called an elected official. Obviously you don't want to overdo this but it can be effective. If that does not work, the paper can also be a decent place to go.

I've only had one repeat cat offender in the trap and after that I never saw him again. If you include the leash law ordinance in your letter it generally gets the message across.

Sadly out of all these animals I've trapped only 3 had a collar with tags.

I've only had one repeat cat offender in the trap and after that I never saw him again. If you include the leash law ordinance in your letter it generally gets the message across.

Sadly out of all these animals I've trapped only 3 had a collar with tags.