Pets and Neighbors: Don’t get personal

#Middlebury #PawsCorner

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’m in charge of writing the monthly newsletter for our neighborhood association. This month, I want to publish a warning to one of the homeowners who regularly lets their dogs run off leash and into the streets. However, the head of the association made me take out the article ahead of publication. Why? It’s a safety issue. – Concerned HOA officer in Georgia

DEAR CONCERNED: While you’re right about letting dogs run loose in the street being a safety issue, calling the offender out by name in the neighborhood newsletter is not the way to go. It sounds like the head of the association didn’t explain all the reasons why it’s a bad idea.

For one thing, singling out a neighbor by name – even if that person is the only one letting their dogs run off leash – can have legal ramifications for the association. That can get expensive. Even if things don’t get that heated, that neighbor probably knows that you write the newsletter, and you could become the target of their ire.

Talk to the association head face-to-face or by email and ask what can be done to address this issue. Chances are, the neighbor has already been notified by the association. Another option is for the association head or the directors to remind everyone at the regular meeting, without singling anyone out. Or, a notice can be put in the newsletter that also does not single out any residents – one that reminds everyone of the association rules or any relevant city ordinances.

I know you want to act more quickly, but you’re working as part of a group of neighbors. So work with them to address this problem.

Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.

(c) 2018 King Features Syndicate, Inc.