Does your pet need a leash?

Published Jan. 22, 2014
By 2nd Lt. William M. Tyrrell
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS -- As the weather warms up, base residents are reminded about Laughlin's leash laws when taking walks with their furry friends.

"We are just trying to keep everybody on base safe," said Capt. John Farmer, 47th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Not keeping animals on a leash can cause dangerous situations for everybody on base."

The most common times people do not put their animals on a leash is when the owner and animal go for a run.

"We have had an incident where a dog that has not been violent in the past bit a pilot trainee," said Farmer. "Not only did this send the pilot to the hospital, but it also took him off flying status, causing him to lose training time and affecting our base mission."

According to AFI 362-6001 regarding pets, pets must be secured with leashes while outdoors, except in fenced patios and yards. Pets must not be left tied or unattended or unfenced yards and not allowed to run loose outside fenced yard.

"We all love pets," said Farmer. "However the owner is 100 percent liable for their pet's actions and could possibly result in the wing commander removing the animal from the base."