Dear Editor,

I must say your opinion regarding the New Castle dog shooting has me questioning just how much homework you do before you express your opinion in the newspaper.

First, it is a dog owner’s responsibility to keep a dog from running at large. Second, it is a dog owner’s responsibility to keep the dog’s shots up-to-date and on the tag on the dog.

A dog’s actions when it is running at large are very different than in a family home. Have you ever seen a deer or an elk that has been mauled by some dog running at large? I have, and it is a terrible sight to see. How many chickens, rabbits, cats and other pets have been harassed and-or killed by dogs running at large? How many of us have been jumped on, had our yards used as toilets and have had to tolerate dogs barking all day long?

If you live in New Castle, the answer is many of us. Too many dog owners do not act responsibly. If you want a dog, be responsible, and take care of it. If you do (take care of it) this could never happen to you.

Thank you, New Castle Police Department, for doing your job and keeping our neighborhood safe. I am sure it was extremely hard to do what you had to do, and the last thing you need is to be hung out to dry by the newspaper, community and irresponsible dog owners.

Linda Adams

Castle Valley Ranch