Dogs and water
Greensboro's tightening the tap. Your use of lawn sprinklers or irrigation systems will be limited to one day each week.
That may burn residents who simply must have a green, green lawn even during a long dry spell.
Turn 'em in.
Yes, we're advocating snitching. After all, water belongs to everyone, and the faster supplies are depleted the sooner more stringent restrictions will be imposed on everyone.
In the past, the city has sent water police to patrol neighborhoods looking for violators early in the morning when people like to water their lawns. The same enforcement measures will be required this time. But citizens ought to help.
We would recommend that first they try the neighborly approach: "Say, Bob, I notice you've watered your lawn every day this week. Don't you know about the restrictions?" If Bob tells you to jump in the lake, then you can rat him out -- before there's no lake to jump into.
Anyway, that's an angle we're exploring. What would you say?
Now, about pit bulls. Reports keep coming about dangerous, aggressive behavior by pit bulls. Is there a public policy response?
Comments (9)
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Why not offer a reward, say 10% of any fine levied? You could even set up a blog to 'out' violators!
And what about restrictions in the county? Do any homeowner associations have 'voluntary restrictions' to conserve groundwater? Any reports of wells drying up yet?
Posted on August 22, 2007 11:47 AM
Public policy: your dog is a stick in your hand. Whatever your dog does, it's legally the same as if a stick in your hand did it.
Posted on August 22, 2007 12:43 PM
To clarify: If your dog assaults someone, you should be charged with assault?
If your dog kills someone ... with manslaughter?
There's certainly logic in that approach. Would it be considered too harsh in the case of an otherwise law-abiding citizen whose dog escapes from a fenced-in yard and for some reason bites someone?
Posted on August 22, 2007 12:52 PM
Doug, I'm all about harsh. Dogs are about as stupid as sticks (I have two) and aren't responsible for their behavior. Their owners should be. The dog escaping from the fenced yard is about the same as a stray arrow straying from the target range. If I have a dog or enjoy archery, I should be responsible for any damages resulting therefrom. If I have a dog that bites, I should make sure that the fence will hold him.
Posted on August 22, 2007 1:27 PM
Hi Doug,
I've seen the words "rat" and "snitch" used on several N&R blogs when talking about giving local agencies the information they need to enforce the laws. I wonder if you all would consider using terminology that is not quite so heavily loaded.
It seems to me that terms like that are a disincentive for citizens to take a role in ensuring a safe and law-abiding community. I'm not sure what words I would use instead--"responsible citizen" isn't very sexy, but I do think it's more accurate.
Posted on August 31, 2007 7:55 AM
Thanks, Elizabeth. I agree. Even "inform" and "report" have bad connotations. Many responsible citizens could advise or alert authorities to improper activities. Or invite authorities to visit their neighborhood and look around. I'll try to work some of those terms into my usage.
Posted on August 31, 2007 8:20 AM
Great news. And a speedy reply as well. My thanks to you!
Posted on August 31, 2007 10:54 AM
We are here to be interactive. Just keep those page views coming.
Posted on August 31, 2007 10:57 AM
I'm using the term "blow the whistle" in a Short Stack item for Monday. It seems to me that whistleblowing still has a positive connotation because it indicates calling attention to wrongdoing that potentially harms everyone.
Posted on August 31, 2007 11:01 AM