This past week, I was in New York City for a conference. During my time there, I went for a walk through Central Park with a friend of mine who attends New York University (NYU). While we walked, I saw so many dogs. On and off leashes, some big and some small, some well groomed and others looking practically neglected. I found myself getting frustrated.
I grew up in a pretty rural county and grew up with many dogs, all of which my family owned while we had a spacious backyard and/or when we lived on a farm. Least to say, they had plenty of room to run around and fulfill their innate needs associated with their various breeds.
I understand that not everyone is privileged in having a living situation where they have a yard available – or are put in a situation that causes them to abruptly move or whatever. Life happens, I get it.
However, as a general concept, I believe that if you can not fulfill the needs of a particular animal, then you likely shouldn’t own that animal. Now, I don’t mean suburban areas or small cities or even areas surrounding major cities. I’m referring to specific areas in which the only available living situation is an apartment or condo in the middle of a heavily packed city where the closest park is a 30 minute walk away through the city.
In large cities, yes there are parks and places to take your dogs – however, that’s only for a short portion of the day. That’s even if owners are able to get their dogs to a park at all. If they’re located in a more dense area, then they may not be able to go everyday.
Additionally, cities are heavily noise polluted, which can be harsh on dogs’ sensitive hearing. Also, in the summer when temperatures rise, the pavement absorbs that heat. When all you have are sidewalks, stepping outside is like walking your dog on a stovetop. That’s not fair to your pet.
I believe everyone ought to have the right to own an animal that brings them joy and happiness, but I also believe that every animal ought to live in a home where all of their needs are suitably met.
All of this is a generalization, obviously there are unique circumstances and does not apply to service animals and the like, just a personal train of thought. What do you think? Should dogs live in big cities?
