Warning to

dog owners

Notice to the Happy Valley area residents who let their dogs run free. Consider this your only warning.

We have put up with the piles of dog waste outside the fence where we keep our own dogs. We have tolerated the garbage strewn though our streets. I have personally hollered and chased your dogs out of my yard at two in the morning because my dogs are barking at your dogs. But now your dogs have gone too far.

In the last month, we have lost two cats. We canvassed the neighborhood and found that we are not alone; others have lost chickens and cats as well. All report seeing the same dogs.

The owners of these dogs know who they are. I am giving the benefit of the doubt. That they may not know their dogs are killers, though I consider it a stretch.

I do wonder, though, when these irresponsible owners awoke to find whatever was left of my family's beloved pets in their yard. Did it make you proud to know your dogs are ripping animals one-fifth their own size and smaller to pieces.

Shame on you and be warned. Enough is enough. If your dog is in my yard again, I will shoot it without apology and without pause. Then you can take a turn, as I have twice recently in consoling your family on the loss of a pet.

Shannon Hanson

Whitefish