By Rebecca Wallis
MCMINNVILLE, OR – October 8, 2024
McMinnville resident Erin Lawler is taking action to address the growing concern of off-leash dogs within the community. Through a series of Facebook posts, Lawler has raised awareness about the dangers and challenges posed by off-leash dogs in public spaces, and she has initiated a public safety questionnaire to gather feedback from local residents. Her goal is to elevate the voices of community members, work collaboratively with the McMinnville City Council, and engage law enforcement to find a solution that addresses the community’s needs.
Lawler’s efforts have drawn significant attention, with over 40 responses so far, revealing personal testimonies that reflect a wide range of experiences. In one of her posts, she shared that she had submitted preliminary data from 43 survey responses to the city council during a regular meeting, but she is continuing to collect feedback to ensure the data captures a broad perspective of community experiences. Lawler emphasized that the personal stories submitted through the questionnaire are powerful and critical in driving potential policy changes.
The public safety questionnaire addresses various topics, asking residents how often they encounter off-leash dogs, whether they perceive them as a physical danger, and how these encounters impact their daily lives. The survey also explores whether off-leash dogs are deterring residents from visiting parks, walking in their neighborhoods, or feeling safe in public spaces. While Lawler is considering the possibility of forming a dedicated committee to address this issue, she remains open to other potential solutions that might better serve the community.
In addition to gathering data, Lawler plans to provide public comment at a future McMinnville City Council meeting, where she hopes to further raise awareness of the issue. She’s determined to work in cooperation with the council and law enforcement to find a solution that balances the needs of dog owners and public safety, ensuring that McMinnville’s parks and public spaces are safe and accessible for everyone.
Despite some challenges—such as one of her Facebook posts being removed for allegedly provoking drama—Lawler remains committed to bringing this issue to the forefront. Her efforts represent a larger push for cooperation and community-driven solutions.
Community members who wish to participate in the survey can access it at this link: Public Safety Questionnaire – OffLeash Dogs. Lawler continues to accept responses and hopes that more residents will share their experiences
Photo credit: Yamhill County News File
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