Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
Published March 9, 2010
I always thought that taking one's dog out for a delightful leisurely long walk provided many health benefits for both people and their pooches. Years ago when I personally had the pleasure of dog sitting for Sabina, a magnificent female Great Dane, each afternoon I would dash home from work looking forward to our romp in the great outdoors. I must add that I never figured out which one of us more thoroughly enjoyed our sojourn. All I know is that it was extremely gratifying for me strolling through the woods accompanied by my good friend.
Tom Hank's character in the 1989 film Turner & Hooch. Photo via OverOll.com
So you can imagine my shock and chagrin when I ran across an article about a 23 year-old English dog-owner who was fined and banned from driving for six months. His crime? He was arrested for walking his dog while seated in his car, with his dog trotting alongside his vehicle.
Now this is in my opinion not only dangerous and bordering on cruelty to animals, but the height of laziness. For shame!
Paul Ralton pleaded guilty on March 1, 2010 to "not being in proper control of a vehicle". Paul Donoghue, Mr. Ralton's attorney said that Ralton acknowledged, "It was a silly thing to do and there was an element of laziness." Element? I wonder what Mr. Ralton would really consider "laziness." British newspaper quoted Mr. Donoghue as saying that his client, Mr. Ralston, "does not usually drive in such a manner."
According to prosecutors, Mr. Ralton was sighted driving slowly along a country lane last December, 2009, with the dog's leash hanging out the car window while his dog walked alongside the automobile.
Magistrates in Consett, Northeast England ordered Ralton to fork over a 66 pound fine, (about $100.00) plus court costs. He additionally received three penalty points on his license. Due to his already existing points he is banned from driving his car for six months.
Paul Ralton Photo via OverOll.com
According to the British Newspaper, "The Sun", following his hearing, Ralton said, "It is a joke. I'm not bothered. I knew I would get three points. I might have saved myself some money not having a car."
What I also dearly wonder about is what his dog was thinking as he viewed Mr. Ralton sitting inside his automobile while he was running alongside it. But of course anything I come up with would be pure speculation.
Whether or not you are a dog lover, I am highly interested in hearing your reactions to this story.
Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
Jo Singer
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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