Portsmouth Police responded to Glen Avenue after a woman reported repeated incidents of her neighbor’s dog running loose. She told officers the dog had recently chased her into the roadway and said she feared someone would eventually get bitten.
When officers spoke with the dog’s owner, he admitted the animal had escaped through a hole it dug under the backyard fence. The dog had since been secured inside the home, and the owner promised to fix the issue.
No one was injured, and police advised both parties accordingly. But this case is yet another in a growing list of animal-related calls in the city—many stemming from dogs left off-leash or unsecured in yards.
🚨 New Dog Laws Incoming
This comes as strict new laws regulating dog ownership are set to take effect in the coming weeks. Among the changes:
- Fines for dogs running at large will increase.
- Repeat offenders may face mandatory surrender or criminal charges.
- Unlicensed dogs or those without proper fencing could be impounded more quickly.
🐾 Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Here’s what to do to stay ahead of the new rules:
- 🛠️ Fix fencing issues immediately—check for dig-outs and weak spots.
- 🦴 Keep dogs leashed in public areas, even in your neighborhood.
- 🐶 Make sure your pet is properly licensed and up to date on vaccines.
Law enforcement and animal control officers say the goal isn’t to punish pet owners, but to prevent injury to both people and animals as dog-related incidents continue to surge across the county.
Got concerns about a roaming dog? Don’t wait for someone to get hurt—report it to your local authorities or animal control. And if you’re a dog owner, now’s the time to double-check your setup before the new rules hit.