HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-20 Public Comment - D. Wiedenheft - Dogs and CoronavirusFrom:Terry Cunningham
To:Agenda
Subject:FW: Dogs and Coronavirus
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2020 8:40:52 AM
Sharing as promised to the requestor.
From: Denise Wiedenheft [mailto:wiedenheftd@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 8:56 PM
To: Terry Cunningham <tcunningham@mcn.net>
Subject: Re: Dogs and Coronavirus
AbsolutelyThank You for your quick and informative response. Denise
On Mar 25, 2020, at 8:53 PM, Terry Cunningham <tcunningham@mcn.net>wrote:
Denise:
Thank you for reaching out regarding dogs and Covid-19.
I have been reviewing the literature to determine the roles of dogs in the spread of
Covid-19. The best information I can find is that there isn’t evidence of transmission of
Covid-19 between humans and dogs. This article https://www.akc.org/expert-
advice/news/can-dogs-get-coronavirus/goes on to say that dog fur does not seem to
have the same ability (as compared to other surfaces) to transmit the virus, but does
recommend that people wash their hands after contact with dog fur. Regardless, you
shouldn’t be put in a position where you are approached by unfamiliar dogs – and I
completely hear you about your right to enjoy the outdoors without having to deal with
this issue.
The larger issue – violations of leash laws, owners not being responsible about their
dogs’ interactions with others – continues to be something the city is aware of and has
taken steps to try to address (hiring a second animal control officer, for instance) but
there is obviously still work to be done.
May I share your email with my colleagues on the city commission so they’re aware of
your experiences and your concerns?
Thanks again for reaching out.
Terry
From: Denise Wiedenheft [mailto:wiedenheftd@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 7:54 PM
To: Terry Cunningham <tcunningham@mcn.net>
Subject: Dogs and Coronavirus
Terry,
We have more people out walking and running the trails and streets of
Bozeman than ever. Many are out with their dogs enjoying the day. I
don’t know how to get the message to pet owners, that now more than
ever, their pets should be on a leash even in open spaces. I was hoping
perhaps you and city council may have some ideas. Today, I had severaldogs come up to greet me. Several were not leashed and they did
brushed up against me. Considering Coronavirus lives on plastic
potentially up to 72 hours, I am concerned dog fur maybe longer.
Typically, this isn’t and issue but considering we don’t know how longcoronavirus lives on dog fur and people are trying to maintain distance,
dogs are more of a threat. This was part of a message I received from The Backcountry Tetons: MANAGE YOUR DOG AND DON’T TOUCH OTHER’S DOGS: More
people will result in more dogs in the backcountry, and more dogs will
require greater vigilance on the part of dog owners to manage animalbehavior. Use leashes and poop bags, and if your dog is not obedient to
your commands, leave him/her at home. Avoid touching other people's
dogs!
Thank You!I appreciate all that you have done for the City of Bozeman,
Stay Safe!
Sincerely,
Denise Wiedenheft