Posted by fraidoclowns (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't understand how other cities have pets on leashes walking without people being lunged at. What makes the dogs in Vidalia so much more vicious than in other places? If you've got a leash law, that should suffice.

Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Have you been down to the River Walk and seen the dogs they are talking about?

I have and it seems the dog of choice is Pitt Bulls! They weren't very friendly either!

The owners walking along with their friends laughing and talking and not watching the dog. Then when the dog lunges, they laugh more and think it is great fun.

Good job Vidalia!

Posted by hytekrednek (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here we go again, big discussion because a few are irresponcible. And besides the lunging, nobody wants to see a big pile of dog crap beside the public sidewalk.

Posted by ladybuggs (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

duncan park should also ban dogs from their walkway !!!!!

Posted by saintsfan (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 6:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets get rid of the irresponsible people that have the dogs on the walk, I like that better.
But no it is easier to just say no pets on trail than to actually make people pay for their actions.
Guess the police would actually have to work a bit for that, well thats just absurd and they will have none of that!!!!! lol gheeze when is our society going to start punishing the bad people for what they do and stop generalizing everyone for that fews actions. Im sick of it.

Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sick of here of hearing people talk about how unfriendly pit bulls are not all pits are unfriendly it how you raise them I have 4 and they are very sweet and loving they do not try to bit people when they come to my house they think they are lap dogs and they want to sit in your lap they think everybody comes to see them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Pluto (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is ridiculous. Anything "could be a serious situation." Come on Vidalia, you always seem to have more sense than this, just enforce the leash law. Hey, I have seen some teenagers hanging out there, why not ban them? Oh, and the wind blows really strong, better just close the Riverwalk, too many possibilities for folks to complain.

Posted by james (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

seems that the ND plays a little favoritisms to certain members of the Natchez area while others are thrown under the bus wheels! OPEN COMMENTS TO ALL FOR ALL OR CHANGE THE NAME OF THIS RAG TO CNN PAPER! NATCHEZ WHERE A ONE SIDED VIEW COUNTS! MR. GARDNER YOU ARE A GOOD MAN DO NOT LET THEM DRAG YOU DOWN TO THERE LEVEL!

Posted by blacksheep (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They need to re-type the subject line to:
VIDALIA PROHIBIT PETS FROM RIVER WALK
( NOT RIVERFRONT )

Feel sorry for good people & pets, they are the ones that has to suffer for the wrong people.
Vidalia very much needs to address the problem with the Pit Bull situation. Seems like the board of alderman just wants to pick out the easy things to deal with, and let society fight it out with the harder things that needs more attention. There is more in Vidalia than that dern riverfront, they need to start listening to the people, and their problems. Not just what is easier for them to get into the meetings and get out. I thought the riverfront was for the people. If it's for the people, why do they run you off the riverwalk after a certain hour. Heck, they have security there. The people's riverwalk has done turned into a commercial strip. Next, they will have a conveyance store selling Pit Bull T-Shirts !!!

Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why can't we comment on the Ntz aldermen meeting? Ms. Mathis needs to be publically chastized! I can't believe Ntz is gonna let her run Gardner off!!!!

Posted by blacksheep (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me make this statement:
Not pointing my finger at the owners of Pit Bulls or the breed of dogs themselves. Just the ones who fights them, uses them to guard crack houses, and the very ones who walk up and down the streets of Vidalia, with their Pit Bulls, pulling on a chain, snapping at others and other peoples animals. And while they are doing this, their pants are just about to fall off their butts. The wanna-be gang bangers are driving folks in this town crazy. Why don't the city have a ordanance about the ones with their pants hanging off their butts, showing their tail-ends. Why don't the alderman have a ordance about the sorry, crack-headed teenages walking up and down streets at all hours of the night. It's not in just one part of town, it all over Vidalia. There are so many other issues that need to be addressed for ALL the people of Vidalia. Load music, pushing drugs, open containers, walking in the middle of the roads. So it's not just the dog & cat thing, it much more that is more serious than that dern riverwalk situation. Come on alderman, deal with some other issues. The spirit of Vidalia is falling. Please don't let it happen. Please look at the WHOLE picture of things, and take a peek at other issues also.
Why should everybody suffer from walking the dogs on the riverwalk just becouse some crack heads walks some mean, violet dogs, down there, and they growled at one of your friends. Please, think this over. There are many folks who walk there little lap dogs there, and everybody loves seeing everybody happy. It's the doppers and the crack heads that make this situation bad, not the pit bulls .....
Also, I thought Vidalia had a curfew on these bad teenagers......

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We walk our dogs there. I have yet to see any dogs lunge at anyone except in play or anxiety to get to know another dog. I do wish people would clean up behind their pets cause I'm tired of watching out for piles of poo on the sidewalk.

Posted by BHillyer (Ben Hillyer) on April 15, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The comments on Tuesday's Gardner story were disabled because users were continually breaking the Web site's Terms of Use Policy. We will not allow obscene language and a continual disrespect of our readers. The current story now allows comments and will unless users ignore our policy.

Here is a link to our policy:
www.natchezdemocrat.com/terms-of-use

Ben Hillyer
Web editor

Posted by Natchezbear (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Blacksheep this problem with Thugs intimidating others with Pitt Bulls is more than aggravating its down right dangerous. I was terrorized at the Mardi Gras parade two years ago when thugs were walking their Pittt Bulls through the crowds on chains ,not leashes and it was just horrible . How many small children have been mauled to death by these dogs and how many people have had thier hands or faces torn off ?Blacks and some wanna be black. whites want to show culture by wearing pants butt cheek level and "Bumping Pitts" and "Booming" loud obscene rap music. If banning dogs from the pathway is a start .....Let them start. these dogs if off a leash will not stay on grass anyway, there are lots of cities that have banned these breeds or make owners carry insurance.

Posted by bjparker (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We were staying at the Riverview RV Park two weeks ago and saw a couple with two large dogs on the river walk without a leash. This has happenend before, in fact, we were there one time with our small dog on a leash and met a small boy with a large dog without a leash. The large dog growled and snarled. Of course I had to pick up my dog and hold him in order to protect him. It does not have to be a Pit Bull to be dangerous. Also, there is definitely an issue with picking up after these pets. After about 8 or 10 stays there, I have yet to see anyone but us carry a plastic bag and pick up after their pets. Vidalia is probably doing the best thing. We hate to not be able to walk our dog on the river walk when we are staying there but, unfortunately, a few inconsiderate people who refuse to abide by the laws and/or rules and regulations ruin things for the rest of us. And yes, I have seen the poop not only on the grassy area but on the sidewalk. If you want to scream at someone, scream at the good law-abiding citizens of the area - not the Vidalia lawmakers.

Posted by lroberts1 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

any one know any thing about the pit bull that killed a boy in Fayett? I have asked the paper to find out about it. might be just a rumor, can't believe it wasn't reported? I heard it was small boy and they killed the child.

Posted by newlylocal (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Great move, Vidalia - you will never get a dime of my money being spent in your town for taking actions like this. So a pet owner does not properly control their dog, and anyone who owns a dog is now bannished from your walking trail? Since there is an abundance of trash visible, why don't you ban all people from the trail as well. That's fits right in line with this absurd line of reasoning...
I'll stick to the MS side of the river - particularly when I am reaching for my wallet!

Posted by newlylocal (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have 6 visitors from out of town coming to Natchez for the Natchez Bluff Blues Festival this weekend... They will be directed to NOT travel across the bridge and NOT spend one minute or one dime in Vidalia - and yes, it just so happens they are all dog owners.

Posted by geauxtigers (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seriously people, get over it.

Posted by excitement (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why not build a dog park. You can charge a small entry fee for clean-up.
Just a thought.

Posted by picture_music101 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In defense of the "bad teenagers" not all that walk it at night are bad. For facts me and my friend goes there occasionaly and walk for fun...you know excercise!!?!? And with the higher breezes at night it makes it even better to walk so get off the teenager subject..thanks

Posted by 3on23 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes the headline misleads the reader to think that dogs aren't allowed at all on the Riverfront. Sort of reminds me of a National Inquirer headline. ND you can do better.

As a dog owner I have no problem keeping my dog on a leash and on the grass as well as picking up after him.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

First off, I like pets and most animals, I don't care who owns the dog, from the little old lady with 3 of them to the thug some of you are posting about, I think this is a good idea in avoiding people who are just not responsible enough nor have enough common sense to control their pet so yes, Vidalia has to legislate behavior. I am totally against legislating behavior, as I believe in accountability for oneself, but we all know how that goes. Vidalia is focusing on PREVENTING issues, rather than having to intervene or react to preventable ones.

Posted by butch (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Do like some of the big cities and levy fines . If you have your dog on a leash in public have your pooper scooper with you . It's all about being a responsible pet owner . Seriously , no one wants to accidentally step in your animals poop . This is one of the most disgusting things that can happen to a pair of shoes .

Posted by newlylocal (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Teach4Peace, do you enjoy living in a democracy?
"Some people are not responsible, so let's legislate behavior"?

I worry who you might be "teaching" this to?!

Posted by priya (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pit Bulls are wonderful dogs. If any dog is mistreated it will act with aggression. I say if any dog bites or hurts another dog or person. Arrest the two legged person on the other side of the leash.

Posted by 000117 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Will the ones complaining about Gardner,please complain to your Mayor and stop crying on the blogs. You go from one blog to the other complaning about the same thing. A lot of US don't want to hear you complaining on all of the blogs.I read someone talking about the Mayor growing a pair. Please take your own advice. Talk to the Mayor and not to US. Use your right as a citizen and go to the Mayor. NOW STOP THE SPAM!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lroberts1, there was a 4 year old killed by 3 boxers somewhere below Angola. It surprised me because boxers are usually wonderful dogs with kids, and the dogs knew this child because they were neighbors. I haven't heard about anyone in Fayette getting killed by a dog.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

newlylocal, please REREAD MY POST. I am AGAINST legislating behavior. Sheesh!

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I use to take my dog walking on the Riverfront, but she has a slipped disc now and can no longer enjoy her long walks. I have had an experience with larger dog that was not on a lease & it scare me & my small dachshund. Being out spoken as I am I confronted the person about the leash law. The way I look at it is if I'm going to have a leash on my dog because's it's the law everyone should. Anyway if you care about your dog you should have it on a leash for their safety.

Posted by nosyrosy (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My comment is about "blighted houses"
I sure hope they come to my street, there is a house rotting to the ground and people live in it. Is there an ordinance for inhabited dwellings?

Posted by excitement (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There was a Great Dane that turned on it's owner. The dog was not spooked, teased, nothing, just out for a walk and flipped.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When it comes to animals, no matter how domesticated and docile you think they are, and when it comes to some people, you can never know when or if they'll turn. Since I can't guarantee that, my son whether raised with a dog or not, will not be left alone with one and I certainly would not have on in the home, maybe outside, but not in my home as his primary space. I just love these owners who say" oh he/she is sweet, they don't bite," or the best one "we've had him/her since they were 2 weeks old." Listen, NOTHING is absolute, nothing.

Posted by consider_reason (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A knee jerk, reactive response by an amateur police chief.

Years of complaints by Danny's still can't get the divisive city council to ban a bar in a residential neighborhood but they can ban people from walking a dog based on what "might happen."

And how does an 800 number require a grant?

What We Are - (Our Mission)

A Child Is Missing (ACIM)
is a Fort Lauderdale-based non-profit organization founded in 1997, was created because no community-based program existed for locating missing children, the disabled and elderly often (with Alzheimer's) during the crucial first hours of disappearance.

THE NEED:
A child goes missing every 40 seconds in the United States. Your child has a 1 in 42 chance of going missing. We also address helping the Elderly, Alzheimer's and the Disabled.

FUNDING:
Financial support comes from special events, sponsorship, private, corporate donations, state and federal funding. Appropriations from each state are used to help maintain the program in that state. Please consider ACIM in your funding program

MISSION:
ACIM is devoted to assisting law enforcement in the search and early safe recovery efforts of children / the elderly (often with Alzheimer's) / disabled persons and college students via a rapid-response neighborhood alert program utilizing high-tech telephony systems. .

So a grant is issued to VPD for something that has been a non profit organization since 1997? That you basically have to call and tell them a child is missing, and they begin the calling and coordinating free of charge?

Tappy takes more credit for something that essentially has been there for free all along. How you liking it, V-Lou, your chief who gives himself goosebumps every time he sees his name in the paper.

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe it was in 2000 we took our daschshund to Bark in the Park & a lady had taken the leash off her big dog and it ran across the yard (it looked like slow motion) knocked a lady down that was holding a smaller dog. It was horrible. I never did hear how badly injured the little dog was. I did see some people running to help it. I had been going to Bark In The Park since my kids were little, but since then havn't again. It happen so fast the lady holding the dog had no chance of protescting herself or her dog. I'm sure there will be someone that will remember.

Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on April 15, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew a freindly pit bull once. He tried to take my arm off one day because he was having a bad hair day. It,s not a matter of how good they are or are not,but they have the strength and jaws to kill if they so desire. The one that bit me on my elbow that day just decided he didn,t want to take it off and i was left with a few punture wounds,but if he would have close his jaws a little more i wouldn,t have a elbow today. Who knows what set him off??

Posted by lroberts1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks Freedom 42.what a shame, can you imagine the horrow of that child?
I wish the family of that child all the best and my prayers will include them. I am not a dog owner, but do respect those that are. BUT FOR GOD'S SAKE lease them. Don't let these animals run loose, & DO clean after them, when you walk them. There's nothing more disgusting than stepping in poop.CAT OR DOG or any other animal even HUMAN, yuk !!!I worked for an eye Dr. he called me in his office to show me a worm about the size of a human hair,that worked it's way up from the bare foot of a child to his eye, OF course the child was blind in that eye. The worms are left where the dog poop has dried up or been even picked up. SO Parents don't let your child play even in your own yards bare foot,cause you never know WHAT has been in that yard at night.

Posted by faithblessings (anonymous) on April 16, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What happens is your niegbors walk the animals around the block to pooh on your yard then take them home..I know I catch them every evening really pisses them off when you tell them to clean the poop up out of your yard.

Posted by lroberts1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2009 at 9 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have picked IT up with a shovel and put it at the back door inside the screen, so they can step in it,Made them mad , But I darn sure didn't need their old dogs poop. Just giving them back what they gave me.

Posted by lroberts1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

walk your dogs in your own yard! Why do we have to be bothered with your dogs poop?Maybe your carpet will get worms in it from them cleaning their behinds on it..