Animal control

I would like to relate an incident that happened on my bike ride concerning Animal Control. I was several miles from home, by the Y.M.C.A., when I noticed a black Lab-type dog with no collar, following me.

I was afraid she would get hit by a car since I had no control of her, so I stopped and called Animal Control. I explained my situation to the lady that answered and I told her I would wait with the dog on the sidewalk until someone got there. I also told her, since the dog had no collar, I was having a very hard time keeping her with me because she wanted to follow other people and bikes. The lady said someone would be out right away. I believed her.

One and a half hours later, after struggling with this poor dog in the heat, trying to keep her under control from chasing other bikes and joggers with no collar or leash and six phone calls, I finally threatened to turn the dog loose and call the police. Someone finally then showed up. It turns out that they weren't going to come as they had to stay at the Animal Control center and work on some radio or something. That whole time when I was told that they were coming, I was being lied to.

Thank God I was able to find shade after about an hour into this. Also I thank God for a very nice lady who stopped and stayed with me for a time, helping keep the dog under control. I read in the paper not too long ago about improvements in Animal Control. I don't think that's possible with Darryl Scott in control. I just pray that the owners of this poor dog will show up soon so she doesn't have to spend too much time there, because it's obvious they don't care.

Mary McCutchan
Sebring