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PARK CITY — Residents of Park City packed a meeting Thursday night to discuss the growing problem of dogs running free in an area against the law.
Wendy Halliday was running along a trail last month when she was attacked by a loose dog let off its lease by the owner.
"I remember coming to and hearing her (the owner) screaming," Halliday said.
The dog went for her neck, Halliday said, and ended up tearing her jacket and three layers of clothing. The dog also managed to bite her chest and side.
The law in dispute at Thursday's meeting says dogs must be on a leash, but Wendy Halliday's husband, Rick, said many Park City residents have said they do not believe the law applies to their dog. That sentiment was expressed by one local leader at the Thursday's meeting.
"They don't want their enjoyment affected by them having to do certain things," said Rick Halliday.
They don't want their enjoyment affected by them having to do certain things.
–Rick Halliday
The Hallidays expected 25 people to show up to the meeting, but were surprised when more than 50 people showed up. At times the meeting got rather heated and emotional.
Rick Halliday said they were told one of the main issues with the law was enforcement, especially with local animal control forced to make budget cuts. But the Summit County Sheriff's Office expressed its commitment to enforcing the current law.
The Hallidays have planned more efforts to come up with a solution, with some suggestions given at the meeting to include off-leash areas, on-and-off days or restricted trails.
"There were a lot of people saying, ‘Well, the bite wasn't really that bad,' " Rick Halliday said. "It could have been a lot worse. IT could have been my son out there. It could have been your kid out there."
The Hallidays said the attitude that "my dog doesn't bite" is simply wrong.
