• Any update on Kalihiwai? • How to report dog-related issues • Aggressive dogs are made, not bred • Cockfighting is not OK Any update on Kalihiwai? Can someone please explain why we have been driving 25 mph over the
• Any update on Kalihiwai? • How to report dog-related issues • Aggressive dogs are made, not bred • Cockfighting is not OK
Any update on Kalihiwai?
Can someone please explain why we have been driving 25 mph over the Kalihiwai Bridge for almost three months now through what looks to be temporary highway guardrails and fencing?
When will the work begin?
When will the work be complete?
Why have we spent our tax dollars for this eyesore and traffic creator to just sit there?
We deserve an explanation.
Simon Beatty, Princeville
How to report dog-related issues
In regard to the recent dog attacks, I have been following the recent articles and letters to the editor closely. As Michael Mann pointed out in his letter to the editor (“Don’t try to reason,” June 18), many dog owners show a blatant disregard for the laws.
As Mr. Mann stated, it is imperative that those of us affected consistently report problems to the appropriate authorities. Mr. Mann recommended that individuals contact Kauai Police Department and the Kauai Humane Society.
However, this is not necessarily accurate. It would be great if The Garden Island could investigate this issue and find out (and report) who we should contact in various situations. As someone who has had numerous issues with illegal dog situations, I have contacted all departments, and here is what I have found out regarding whom to contact and for what:
KHS: Off-leash dogs in residential areas, other dog related issues, excluding vicious dog attacks and county parks/ the path. However, as Mr. Mann pointed out, they must have evidence of the infraction or they cannot do anything.
Also, it is important that one follow up when filing complaints through KHS. I have reported serious issues and had reports taken by the front desk representatives, and they have failed to pass my complaints onto the humane officers.
I would suggest that those complaining of a dog issue to KHS contact the animal control department directly, and follow up any complaints with a written letter. It was explained to me by one of the officers that there are only three officers for the entire island. This means that if you call about a loose dog with no evidence, it is very hard for them to get there in time to see it.
KPD: Only vicious dog attacks. Also, the victim of the dog attack must have visible injuries. If you contact KPD regarding any other dog-related issues (such as off-leash dogs) they will tell you to contact KHS.
Department of Parks and Recreation/ Park Rangers: Any dog related issues taking place in county parks or on the multi-use path. However, they rarely patrol (I walk the multi-use path 14 hours per week, and have seen an officer patrolling for dog related issues one time, and that was only after I complained). However, it is very difficult to get in touch with this department, in my experience. Also, when they are off duty, residents on the path can (and do) easily ignore the laws with no repercussions.
It would be very helpful if The Garden Island could do some investigative work to inform residents of the appropriate avenues for filing complaints (including contact info). It seems, from the letters to the editor (and my experience speaking with other dog owners) that many residents are frustrated, but are not sure whom to contact.
Amithea Love, Kapaa
Aggressive dogs are made, not bred
As a dog owner, if you choose to raise your dog isolated in a cage, behind bars or on a chain 23 hours a day, unsocialized to other humans or dogs, or with a pack mentality, then you as the owner have the added responsibility of protecting other dogs and humans from your animal in public.
Unfortunately, too often the dog owners of such aggressive animals gain a sense of satisfaction from allowing their dogs to bully other animals. Dogs raised with a pack mentality are particularly dangerous because when left to their own devices, they instinctually revert to their primal nature rather than to that of the domesticated family pet. This is true of most dog breeds, not just pit bulls or other large breeds.
It really comes down to how the owners choose to raise their dogs. If you have trained or allowed your dog to aggressively protect your home or property, you can’t expect it to behave differently in public. You have conditioned it to believe that it needs to defend its territory at all times. The problem then is it thinks everywhere is its territory. This is how you end up with an overly aggressive dog.
Rick Promer, Anahola
Cockfighting is not OK
In response to the letter from Mary Mulhall in the Wednesday edition of The Garden Island, I would like to say that cockfighting as a cultural practice is NOT OK with me.
Cockfighting is a blood sport in which roosters are placed in a ring and forced to fight to the death for the “amusement” of onlookers. This “sport” is illegal throughout the United States.
Unlike boxers like Muhammad Ali, the chickens are not given a choice.
They do not make the money that is earned through their often ultimate sacrifice. Cockfighting may be a “cultural sport” in the Philippines. In our country it is illegal and seen as animal cruelty.
Other “cultural” practices that have appeared in the United States include slavery and human trafficking. Just because something has historical roots doesn’t make it right. Let’s use our brains and make more appropriate choices for the present day.
Laura Haack, Kekaha
