City tells dog owner to give up three barking dogs as west side Ann Arbor residents hope for peace
A woman whose barking dogs have been a topic of frustrated discussion in her west side Ann Arbor neighborhood for years has settled a lawsuit with the city and will have to give up three of her six dogs.
But some neighbors in the area are concerned that might not be enough.
“I would have gotten rid of all of them,” said Mary Anne Eschelbach, who has lived on Revena Place for more than 50 years and has made multiple noise reports to police. “The neighbors have had dogs, but nothing like this, ever.”
Judith Pasich is shown in the backyard she says she no longer uses because of dogs barking in her neighbor's yard.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
For more than four years, residents on Revena Place and neighboring streets have called police reporting Celina Sinanyan’s barking dogs at all hours of the day and night.
The city filed a lawsuit in 2010 ordering Sinanyan to bring peace to the neighborhood after hearing multiple accounts of the problem from residents.
According to the complaint, police were called because of the barking dogs on 25 occasions from January 2008 through May 11, 2010, when the complaint was filed in court. The calls came from seven different neighbors, but only two citations were written — one for a noise violation and one for a dog running loose through the neighborhood without a leash.
This month, the city entered into an order with Sinanyan to resolve the matter without a trial — an agreement requiring her to forfeit three of her pets immediately to help solve the problem.
Sinanyan was to give up a black Cocker Spaniel named Mitzy and a mini Schnauzer named Beal, along with one other dog of her choice. She was allowed to keep the remaining three.
In exchange for the agreement, the city dismissed its lawsuit, retaining the right to request further relief if Sinanyan fails to comply in the future or complaints continue to come in.
Sinanyan did not return calls asking for comment on the resolution.
After a hearing this month on the order, her attorney Erane Washington said only that it was a difficult decision for her client to have to give up the animals.
Judith Pasich, who lives next door to Sinanyan, said she has seen an improvement within the last month — a relief after four years of noise she said kept her out of her backyard.
For now, she and those living nearby hope that improvement will continue.
Kristin Dziczek, who lives down the street, said her hope is the remaining dogs will be kept inside.
"The problem was just that they were left outside for so many hours on end, that no matter how many dogs there were, they were going to bark,” she said. “This is a start, I guess, and they’ve encouraged us, if they keep barking, to keep calling and they’ll keep pursuing it.”
Heidi Fenton covers police and courts for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heidifenton@annarbor.com or 734-623-4673. You also can follow her on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Christy Summerfield
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
This is clearly miserable for the neighbors and the dogs have not been properly taken care of. My sympathies are with the neighbors and the dogs. I have three small rescued dogs and I understand responsible pet ownership. I always ask new neighbors to please tell me if my dogs' barking bothers them. They don't do a lot of barking but do have a doggie door with access to the deck and sometimes run out there to bark at something or nothing. I close the door at night. It breaks my heart to hear these dogs have been tied up in the yard for long periods. And a dog running loose is inexcusable. I have that problem in my neighborhood and I really hate it. I can be peacefully walking my little ones when a loose dog runs up and it's terrifying. One of mine was once attacked by another dog and nearly died. The same thing happened to a neighbor. Now my biggest concern is for the 3 dogs she's giving up. The Huron Valley Humane Society Shelter is not a no-kill shelter and at such places, dogs with behavior problems often go in the front door and soon out the back in a body bag. I hope some good person or people come forward and offer to take these dogs. They're not happy, well taken care of dogs and would need loving training. I don't hold out much hope for the behavior of the three remaining dogs either.
yardy
Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
My comments were removed today and I'm not sure why. They were very similar to doggone's comments. I, too, am a neighbor. To clarify, there has only been two citations because if she won't answer her door, they cannot give her a citation. We all tried to address her at her door initially. No answer to us or the police. Yes, a huge waste of resources. But, we have explored every possibility in the last 4 years and have been encouraged by the officer to call whenever it is out of hand. The only interaction any of the neighbors has had with this person involves her spewing expletives. I cannot comment on the neighbor throwing glass into her yard. If someone did that it is despicable. But, she is not a saint by any means. At best, she is a terrible neighbor who cares very little for the people around her. Other than the dog who gets out frequently, we have never seen the others. They are hidden behind a privacy (yet not sound-proof) fence. They receive no socialization and have never been walked. Ever. If that's your idea of loving of all living things...hmmm.
jsmith75
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 7:21 a.m.
To all of you mean and heartless people who have posted comments regarding this poor woman, Shame on you! No wonder she chooses not to respond. Many of you do not know her, or the truth about the whole situation. I know this lady, as I get the chance to spend many hours, helping people who need care, in one of the scariest times of their lives. She loves her pets, and cares a great deal for them. This whole situation has taken it's toll and caused her great amounts of grief. Not once, did she publically bad mouth her neighbors. They are not innocent in this. There are many times when these neighbors have tormented, and tortured these dogs, (one had gone so far as to throw balls of catfood containing peices of glass over her fence.) They have come outside, and cussed, yelled causing the dogs to be alarmed and bark, only to turn around and call the police. They gang up on her, and report things to the paper, untrue at best. These neighbors have never taken the time to speak, or get to know this lady, as they would find she is kind, friendly and cares a great deal for all forms of life. Instead, they choose to attack her, belittle her, tattle on her, and force her to feel like a prisoner in her own home. (But make sure they pose for the local paper.) She does not deserve this! I can tell you she has proabably taken care of one of your loved ones. Instead of jumping on her, and claiming she is "not a good dog owner," One should look at this with compassion. If your life is so horrible by just some dogs that are barking, I challenge you to take up a hobby, volunteer at a shelter, see what it's like to have so much less. She will have less, as one of her dogs is losing his battle with cancer. If I had a dog, I would not think twice of having her care for mine.
doggone
Thu, Aug 25, 2011 : 8:55 p.m.
Well, maybe she's nice to you and to the other people she cares about. As one of the neighbors (I've lived there over 10 years), I can tell you she has been anything but neighborly to us. We are a friendly and reasonable group of people--I know everyone on our street--and I personally resent the inference that we are "mean" and "heartless" people who need to "volunteer at a shelter" to get some perspective on life. (I thought name-calling was not allowed on annarbor.com !) It is NOT TRUE that we haven't taken time to speak to her. Initially, the neighbors tried talking to her about the problem before we resorted to calling the cops. She was not pleasant in her response, and, in fact, SHE is the one who cussed like a sailor when one of my elderly neighbors offered to help her reign in one of her dogs that was running loose. We are not dog-haters. We currently have other dogs (and responsible pet owners) on our street now--and have had them in the past. We have NEVER had an issue with any other neighbor's pets. The situation with Ms. Sinanyan's dogs is extreme, and that is why it has come to such an extreme outcome. Leaving six dogs outside to bark for hours on end is not only unkind to the neighbors, it is inhumane to the animals. Since you don't agree...there is a house for sale nearby. Perhaps you'd like to move a little closer to the cacaphony to see how things REALLY are?
CONCERNED CITIZEN
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Is the owner deaf????????????????Why doesn't his bother her? Complaints since 2008, I am surprised that the nighbors haven't taken matters into their own hands! Sounds like the owner shouldn't have ANY dogs!
Tony Dearing
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
A comment and a lengthy series of replies have been removed because the original comment violated our conversation guidelines.
Paige Briana
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
It's a darn shame the city didn't order the neighbors calling the cops be put down. Please don't waste my tax dollars calling the cops on a barking dog. Invest in earplugs.
5c0++ H4d13y
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.
Well if they hadn't gotten rid if the animal control officer they could have called her.
a2citizen
Mon, Aug 22, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
You really have no clue, do you?
alternativeview99
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Hmmm.....I once owned a dog and was having difficulty training it not to bark. (Dogs are intelligent enough to be trained.) So, I got a no-bark collar and used it for a couple of days. Worked like a charm and the dog lived to be 15 years.....walking and barking (when appropriate) up to the end. And, I agree about the comment concerning children. If my neighbor's dogs are out back, they bark a lot and it triggers my dogs. I have to go out and make it clear to my dogs to stop barking or they will come inside. But, my other neighbors don't seem to mind the yelling. They say it is no worse than a mother going outside to tell her children to tone it down. Basically, I just think it makes a difference that they understand I don't expect them to be burdened with my ownership dogs.....just like people without kids shouldn't have to be burdened with other people's choices to have children. (Yes, I did have children and it was also necessary to keep an eye on them and I tried my best not to burden others with my choice to raise a family.) I agree with the others. The dogs probably need a bit more watching and taking care of. It's their nature to bark to say something. You need to listen and work with them in response. I think six dogs is too much for anyone. Three dogs may be a limit for even the most responsible owner. I can't say. I know it would be WELL beyond my capabilities.
sun runner
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
After 120 comments, there isn't much more to be said, but I have to sympathize with the people who live near the woman with the incessantly barking dogs. There are two horrible yapdogs that belong to some people in my neighborhood; these dogs bark nonstop if left outside for even the briefest periods of time. Their shrill, hysterical yapping has ruined many a quiet Saturday afternoon or woken me up well before my alarm on work days. I try to tell myself it's not really the dogs' fault they have such clueless, willfully ignorant owners...save my ire for the people who don't care how their dogs' noise impacts an otherwise peaceful neighborhood...but man, it's hard. It's really, really, REALLY hard sometimes.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.
After she gives up the three dogs I hope she does not go out and buy three more. I hope the settlement included No More Dogs.
AceDeuce
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
I don't know the people or dogs involved in the dispute, but I can definitely sympathize with the neighbors. There's a household in my neighborhood with a family that owns all kinds of pets, including 4-5 dogs. And similar to this story, they bark a lot at any peep that they hear from the outside. The worst of it came when a dieing woman's husband in the house next door went over to complain to the owner of the house with the dogs, because she was bed-ridden, and all day she had to hear the dogs barking right next door. Of course the owner said there was nothing he could do about it. BUT HE COULD OF. Like many posters have said, it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that their dog is trained. You can train a dog to do almost anything, including to not bark. Don't hate the dog, he/she knows not right from wrong, blame the OWNER!
Mike D.
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
I formerly had next-door neighbors with a dog that barked for hours on end every day. It was excruciating. For a year, we couldn't use our porch or yard. I can totally empathize with the neighbors in this story. Ironically, after I got rid of the bad neighbors, a new neighbor moved in with what seems to be 4-5 dogs. Luckily for me, she is a responsible owner who keeps her dogs inside when she's not around and often asks me if their barking is a problem. I rarely hear them at all. Long story short, it's not the number of dogs that's the issue, it's the owner's willingness to be considerate to his or her neighbors.
Charlotte
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
bark stopper collars are reasonably cheap and work. buy the dog mommy 3 and get back out in your yards.
Christy Summerfield
Fri, Aug 26, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
Bark stopper collars are actually fairly expensive. And it is not the responsibility of the neighbors to do this. If this women is a good neighbor in other ways and actually can't afford the collars, then perhaps out of kindness. . . But more than collars, these dogs need loving training. Perhaps she, in an attempt to prevent these dogs from being destroyed, took them in and finds herself overwhelmed. I doubt if we're getting the whole, true story here.
Jack
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
Whjat bothers me is that, despite 25 complaints, the owner was only given two citations. Why? They police could easily have noted the hitory here and issued more citations than two. I see some negligence here on the part of the PD. I am also surprised at some commenters here who thiink that these complaints were frivolous. We owned two large dogs. The second they started barking, when outside, they were called in the house. Neighbors should be able to enjoy their peace and quiet. Good grief, simple common sense. Whoever owns these dogs is irresponsible and self-centered.
5c0++ H4d13y
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
It just doesn't work that way. I had a dog noise problem in my neighborhood and my neighbor had to harass the animal control officer, city attorney and finally had to talk the police chief to get any action. It took years. I'm going to guess there's not enough money in it to make it worth their while to write the citation.
FreedomOfSpeech
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
"...requiring her to forfeit three of her pets immediately " One wonders, just what happens to 'immediately forfeited' pets? Keeping the peace doesn't necessarily equate to a happy ending even if the... barking... has Ended... ;)
jcj
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Unfortunately it appears too many of the irresponsible dog owners are also illiterate so they have no idea how annoying they are because they don't read the comments here about that type of dog owner. The ones that let their dogs bark constantly OR walk them without leashes are the ones I am referring to.
Buster W.
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
The picture is worth 1,000 words...
a2citizen
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
...but is profiling constitutional?...
jcj
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
I suggest buying an air horn and blowing it at 2am on the sidewalk out from of the barking dogs.
CincoDeMayo
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 4:54 a.m.
that'll quiet them down!
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5 p.m.
Amazing that the police did nothing for so long. The neighbors should have painted a crosswalk on the woman's property, then pretended to try and cross it as the dogs approached. That might have interested the police. Hopefully there are legal remedies out there against people who think that just because they want a dog they're allowed to disturb the peace. If I had a loud stereo in my car, and I turned it on for random blasts of 15 minutes at all hours, I would be subject to a lawsuit. Why are dogs special? It's like smokers and littering - smokers think their cigarette butts are special and can be thrown anywhere.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 5:31 a.m.
My freedom to swing my fist stops right at the end of your nose.
clownfish
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
Funny from you Macabre! Usually you are agin the govt taking freedoms!
garrisondyer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
Seriously! That's one of my pet peeves.
Mark
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Its just sad that it comes to something like this.
Kristin
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
I would like to correct that I do not think the dogs should be kept inside. I think they should be outside, inside, taken for walks (which the owner NEVER does) and cared for. Dogs left outside to bark all day (and all night) are being neglected.
Ron Granger
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:23 p.m.
Why no citations? Why are my tax dollars repeatedly sending the police? The law is very clear. Cite her each time, after the required warnings. The fines will solve the problem.
Mark
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
No doubt.
1bit
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
Agree completely, the fines should also escalate after the 3rd call. Sometimes you can't teach people to be polite, good neighbors or good dog owners.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
Leaving dogs outside all day to bark is irresponsible regardless of where you live. If you have these dogs in a city, and they are left outside barking, then you have to deal with neighbors' complaints. What makes this dog owner think she can impose her dogs bad behavior on an entire neighborhood? How many dogs does this woman own? Three were taken away and she still has 3 left? To begin with, 6 dogs is way too many dogs in one residence. If she wants to keep the 3 remaining dogs, then she needs to keep them inside. I think that's unhealthy for the dogs, personally. But leaving them outside to bark and annoy everyone in the neighborhood is totally unacceptable. I'm appalled that the city took so long to take any action. They should have taken away all the dogs. Period.
Bob
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
Has she HEARD an improvement?
CincoDeMayo
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:49 p.m.
I agree SM - education would go a lot farther than punishment. She still has 3 dogs left!! And, in my opinion, having trained several dogs to be quiet so that I could live in apartments and homes in dense areas, excessive barking is one of the trickiest things to address. Depending on the dog, I use different "tricks". It becomes even more difficult when there are multiple dogs. However, with persistence, and a lot of work, it can be done. And, for the record, I hate excessive dog barking, loose dogs and dog poop. However, I also try to remember (as I do for kids) that it is not the dog's fault AND that the owner may either not be aware that the behavior is negative, or may not have the knowledge to correct it. My sidenote - why are dogs allowed, even on leash (which are generally too long) to tramp around - and relieve themselves - in people's yards when it is so simple a courtesy to walk them on the extension side of the sidewalk?.
CincoDeMayo
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 4:51 a.m.
Hhhhm. I always thought to "curb" your dog meant to take them to the actual curb to relieve themselves. What I am asking for is even more simple than that. I'd rather any residue left behind after clean up be on the extension than in someone's yard. But, yeah, if it could be in the curb that would be even better, wouldn't it?!!
Blanch DuBois
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
CincoDeMayo @your sidenote.....the term is CURBING YOUR DOG and it means exactly that...you direct your dog to the curb side of the walk and then PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG !!!
WalkingJoe
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:32 p.m.
As the owner of three dogs it saddens me to hear of someone like the woman in this article for gives all dog owners a bad name. My wife and I leave our dogs out to play in our fenced back yard but never while we are gone. They bark at each other and the squirrels in the trees but when they are just barking to bark we either quiet them our bring them in. Unfortunely there are others in our neighborhood who don't and that is sometimes why our dogs are barking. Having said that I would like to point out that at times our dogs are barking at cats that are allowed to roam free that no one seems to worry about. Why is is it alright for cats to wander about? Some of these cats sit in our driveway where our dogs can see them just to torment them. Also what about the people who are allergic to cats, what is their protection when these cats wander into their yards?
a2citizen
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Sally, I seem to recall an excellent book about outdoor cats. I believe it was call "101 Ways To Wok Your Cat"
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
Cats should be kept inside.
Marilyn Wilkie
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
As a dog owner of 3 dogs (4 until January) I can understand how hard it is to have to give up a beloved pet. BUT, my question is, why did it take so long for the neighbors to get a resolve to this long standing problem? I can't stand to hear a constantly barking dog. If our dogs start to bark at something, we quiet them or bring them in. Why were the authorities allowing this to happen for so long? Also, why was she leaving the dogs outside for hours at a time? That does not seem to be good dog ownership. Our dogs want to go out but want back in to be with us. We don't leave them out when we are gone. This woman should sell and find a house in the country.
McGiver
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
Hopefully not near me.
AA
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
I hate neighbors like this. She is rude beyond comtempt for allowing her dogs to harrass the tranquilty of a neighborhood because or her rude and selfish behavior. I hope she gets whats coming . . . soon!
jsmith75
Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
You hope "she gets what's coming ?" Really? There are many people who have commented that "She gives dog owners a bad name.." I think YOU give humans a bad name. How horrible to say this. What does she have coming? What do you think she deserves? What do the neighbors deserve that were on purpose harrassing the dogs, and thowing glass fill cat food balls over the fence?
SM
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
Who cares that they have 3 pets! If you really care about the situation help the family learn about ways to keep the dogs barks down.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
It is the dog owners responsibility to learn about ways to keep barking to a minimum, not anyone else's responsibility. Three dogs is way too many. If you own dogs, you are responsible for their behavior.
John B.
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
As a responsible dog owner, this story really saddens me. Ms. Sinanyan sounds like a 'one percenter' - one of the one percent of folks that cause 99% of the significant problems. It gives the other 99% percent of us a bad reputation, and that is unfair, but it's reality. Folks, as a reminder, if you have a problem dog in your vicinity that keeps you up at night by barking incessantly, just call 911 about it. I know it almost seems silly to do so, but that is the official policy, and the 911 operator will decide how to distribute/handle the information. Most people don't complain (so in this case, if seven complained there were probably twenty or more that were directly affected, I'm guessing), and unless you complain, the authorities won't know that there is an issue that needs attention.
Joe Kidd
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
911 is for emergencies. A barking dog is not an emergency. Call the non emergency number for police response. You should have already memorized it.
McGiver
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
I think you have that percentage wrong. More like 80% bad owners. I just see too much to believe otherwise. And, its hard to enforce the rules on these folks because of the sheer numbers.
TooT
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
This doesn't work the WWSD couldn't care less about barking dogs.
jcj
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:23 p.m.
Your guess of the percentage of irresponsible dog owners is low as I would expect from a dog owner. But then as a non dog owner my guess would be on the high side.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:14 p.m.
I know if I lived near this house with incessant barking, I would have been calling the cops repeatedly until it was stopped. Who would be paying me for the loss of use of my porch or yard because of the incessant barking?
eone
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:22 p.m.
Why did take 4 YEARS? Something smells fishy.
clownfish
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 12:50 a.m.
Because govt ain't allowed to take her freedom to be rude.
Bob
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
More like dog poop . . .
russellr
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
To bad the city didn't do something before now. We live in the country and have to listen to dogs barking for hours (on a one acre) lot. I get so sick of it I could scream. You can't sit outside and enjoy the day for the barking. Then to top it off the neighbors let there dogs out to run the neighborhood. They are in my yard pooping there huge logs and do you think they come to clean it up? We have to do poop patrol before we can mow our yard. I have to run them out of our garage if my door is open. If you are a dog owner please watch your dog and keep it out of my yard. There is a leash law in Michigan even in the country, and don't even get me started on the neighbor that just got roosters that crow ALL DAY LONG and never stop.
Ron Granger
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Roosters aren't typically allowed, due to the noise. Only hens. Hens tend to quietly cluck.
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
Check to see if roosters are allowed in your township. If anyone is considering buying a home in the country, it is good to check on ordinances for noise and if there are noisy neighbors in the vicinity. Thanks for mentioning the aggravation to warn others, though I'm sorry you have to deal with it.
Bob
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
I would leave the collected poop on their front porch.
clownfish
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:26 p.m.
Check your twp noise ordinance. We were able to apply it to our incredibly rude, uncivilized, not too bright neighbors...after a year and a half of barking. It took sticking with it, lots of phone calls and finally a great zoning enforcement officer. Roosters? My heart goes out to you too! Incredibly rude to have roosters when you have neighbors. No reason for it at all. Sounds like you have Yahoos for neighbors. Send them some old sardines.
clownfish
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.
i hope this alleviates the problem! Dog barking is a major concern, it affects peoples well being and tight to domestic tranquility. This "owner" obviously has no concern for her neighbors or her dogs and should not be allowed to have them. Dogs take time, she obviously does not have it. She should be fined, continually, until she gets it. There is no excuse for treating your neighbors like this. My heart goes out to all of Sinanyan's neighbors.
John B.
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
As a life-long responsible dog owner, I agree 100% - technically, she is abusing her dogs via neglect. Sad.
Les Gov
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:25 p.m.
I would be happy if my neighbor just kept their dog on their property. The city claims to have leash laws but they aren't ever enforced. The dog runs everywhere. One day the dog came up to the front of my snow blower while I was pushing it down the drive. Almost turned that dog into hamburger. I'm sure the city would have said it was my fault. Amazing how and when this town enforces the rules. Why are the rules only enforced on a select few?
Andrea
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
I'm wondering the same thing. We had a problem with our neighbor's dogs...except it was large dogs (a pitbull and a lab mix) actually attacking us. We called police, we followed up on court orders, for several years we followed up, nothing was ever done. Well, we were told that "animals sense when a person's special needs and won't attack" by a sheriff's deputy. Except the pit did attempt to attack said disabled person. If there are going to be laws and ordinances they need to be enforced consistently and fairly.
Jake
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
Obviously Sinanyan does not care in the least about her dogs, or her neighbors since this has been going on for years. It's too bad the city didn't go after her wallet. Maybe then the situation would have changed long ago. I sincerely feel bad for the neighborhood .
jcj
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
You want to hear barking dogs? Take a walk down Faye on the west side! In that area there are more irresponsible dogs owners than responsible ones. And more and more owners are walking their dogs with leash in hand and not on the dog. To those of you on Faye that have dogs the party is going to end if the police will respond to calls. There is a dog rescuer on Leona that now walks 4 dogs with two off the leash.
a2susan
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:12 a.m.
I have a neighbor whose dog barks uncontrollably and very loudly and she doesn't do a thing. After asking her to control her dogs barking, she told me to go into my house and close the doors and windows. There is no more animal control to complain to, so I feel powerless to have any change happen. I really hate living near her and hate her dog's barking.
pegret
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 4:22 p.m.
Love it, Bob!
Sallyxyz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
No, Murray. Susan should not have to move because of incessant barking. There are city noise ordinances that need to be enforced. Susan, start calling the police every day if necessary until citations are issued to the neighbor. Some dog owners think everyone else should make adjustments so their animals can ruin entire neighborhoods. They are selfish and need to be fined for their violations of city ordinances.
Bob
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
You could try calling her house in the middle of the night and barking when she answers . . .
seldon
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
File noise complaints. Get the process started, because apparently it takes over 4 years to get action against one of these toxic neighbors.
Murray
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
Then you should probably move.
Jim Nazium
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.
Four Years of Dogs barking... I feel your pain neighbors, some people don't have a clue on how to be responsible dog owners and never will and some simply don't care. Sounds like my backdoor neighbor, it's just Brutal! Hopefully having less dogs will help the situation. Also, someone leave a Ceasar Millan dvd on that lady's doorstep and a leash, sounds like the dogs need some goooood walkin'.
dv727
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:16 p.m.
Love the name. Are you related to Audie Torium??
Murphy's dad
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
or maybe leave a copy of Julianna Keeping's Ann Arbor..com dog article on her porch?
ypsigirl
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:51 a.m.
I hope none of the neighbors have noisy children. What would they have to do if they did-send the children away???
A2CommonCityFolk
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
hummm, Buzz, I am not sure that is always true. I know I spent 45 mins at Pizza House at 9 pm and had to listen to a child screaming and crying for the entire time I was there. The parent made no effort to remove the child. I am not sure but I think it would have been common courtesy to remove the child. When I left the child wasn't not giving up. I think it is also important owners take care of their pets too. That was not the first time I had to tolerate crying or disruptive children. I just wish everyone parents and owners of pets would just use more common sense.
Carole
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:23 p.m.
And, it seems that these days, most children are inside more than out -- which is sad.
johnnya2
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
If your children scream at all hours and you do nothing about it, you deserve to have your children taken away too. If your children make so much commotion that the police are called on 25 occasions, you should be arrested for neglect of your children. Dogs, like children, do not make noise for the hell of it. There is a reason they are barking.
buzz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11 a.m.
The difference is that people usually bring the kids in when they scream about being bored or hungry. Not so with dogs--and it can really be hard on the neighbors. That many complaints about kids not being taken care of would have long ago brought resolution to the situation. It's hard to believe it's taken this long to solve the problem with these dogs.
golfer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.
we have way to many dogs run loose. the owner walks behind the dog with leash in hand. some (most) pick up waste and some just keep on walking without picking it up. cats have it made they have no restrictions. they can stay out all night. they can make waste in your mulch or bush. cats should fall under the same law. we have laws but people do not think they need to be followed. i am saying that 95% follow the law. it is the other 5% that are a pain.. we have one lady that stands outside her house. lets her dog run free 7 houses down the street. the dog deposits then she calls her/him home.
golfer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
bob no i do not. maybe you can help me out and pick up the waste she does not.
golfer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
garrisondyer now your are right. so why not just let them deposit in your yard and you can step in it when you go out side. at least dog have to be picked up.
A2Susie
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
We had a lady down the street who did that too. I mentioned to her calmly and politely that she probably didn't realize that her dog was doing it on our lawn twice a day, and asked her over to see that day's leavings. I asked if she could walk with him when she lets him out to go. She was embarrassed, but the problem never recurred. Maybe I was just lucky, but a friendly discussion of many of these neighborhood issues - BEFORE everyone gets all excited - often leads to a solution.
garrisondyer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:33 p.m.
I don't know... cat's don't pose any threat of mauling a child to death.
Bob
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
Feel better?
Linda Peck
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.
I am happy there is help for this situation. It must be a miserable life for the dogs as well as the neighbors.
McGiver
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.
I am not sure what I dislike more, dogs or dog owners. Nonetheless, one wonders why one dog isn't enough.
garrisondyer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 3:31 p.m.
Not sure if you're being facetious right now or not, but I'll share my opinion too. I used to HATE dogs when I was a kid. I thought they smelled, were unnecessarily loud, slobbery, and generally obnoxious. I would think to myself, "why don't these people just get a cat instead? They're millions times more fun!" Then, after our parents acquired our old dog, all of that changed (gradually). The companionship that comes along with the family dog is irreplaceable! Now I consider myself to be both a cat and a dog person.
golfer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:01 a.m.
why do people have more than one child. same for dogs. really it is eaiser for two dogs. they play with each other so it is really not much more work. kids like them. you enjoy then. other people enjoy them. so why not have them.
golfer
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.
it is not the dogs it is the OWNERS! owners bring dogs home. dogs do not just walk up to your door. think before you buy. think of your neighbors. i do not think we have ANIMAL control officers any more. it is another job for the police. they should be out on the streets not doing dog control.
KathrynHahn
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.
I'm not sure what I dislike more...dog haters, or people that don't understand the loving companionship one can receive from owning a (well cared for in my case) pet (or two).
huh7891
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
Sibianni....I guess you need to read the article again. It did mention seven other neighbors called to complain, not only Judith. Too bad for the dogs, they suffer because the owner isn't handling the situation. A2 .com any idea what will happen to the dogs she has to give up? Hopefully they can find them a good home.
buzz
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:57 a.m.
...hopefully they were seized by the Humane Society and they will go to a home where they are not left outside all the time. It surprises me she was allowed to keep any of the dogs if that's how she treats them--not appropriate care whether they bark about it or not.
robert
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
I smell punitive damages and tax reimbursement for lose of use for a portion of her property due to dog noise. If there is more than one neighbor then a class action may need to be considered. You must take responsibility of your dog and how they impact your surroundings. 1) Dog poop (please clean it up) 2) Giving people the right away on side walks(this means pull your dog close to you and step off the side walk) 3 )If your dog is a barker and you keep them outside then city life isn't for you. 4) Just be thoughtful for your neighbors. Side note: If there going to make dog runs with tax dollars then they should do the same for gerbils, hamsters, cats, lizards, snakes, pigs, goats, and bunnies.
robert
Tue, Aug 23, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
I apologize for the poor grammar, I was in a car accident 18 years ago . I am still dealing with the effects. Animals can be unpredictable as well as humans. Wouldn't you want to not hurt ones child with a surprise pet attack? Wouldn't you want to take that extra precaution? There are no guarantees in life. Feel free to proofread and digress.
Silly Sally
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
Why should all dogs and their owners need to step off the sidewalk? Only those dogs that threaten passers-by or jump onto people should need to step off the walkway . Many dogs are perfectly well behaved, and only those that would bother someone should be kept away. Great grammar, "If there going to make dog runs..." It should be " If they are going to make dog runs..." or "If they're..."
2WheelsGood
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:32 p.m.
There's a special yearly fee you pay for dog park tags, and that money goes to pay for maintenance of the city's two dog parks. And the parks require very little maintenance.
WalkingJoe
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
robert, when I walk my dogs we always yield to people, even the ones who seem to think they need the whole sidewalk including the side you are on.
KJMClark
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
I assume you mean the dog owner should have the dog step off the sidewalk. The owner should not have to yield right of way to another person just because they have a pet. I think you mean dog parks. Have you ever had any of the animals you list? A gerbil park??? AFAIK, pigs and goats are generally not allowed in city limits (excepting maybe pot-bellied pigs). They're considered livestock.
Sibianni
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.
I think Judith needs to move to a ginger bread house in the woods away from civilization. What a horrible neighbor, probably has nothing better to do than to complain, my guess is she is looking for attention and thats why she is calling the authorities.
a2citizen
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:50 p.m.
dvd, what the photo suggests and what the article reports are two different things. If the photo were from the Sport's Illustrated swimsuit issue would you have a different opinion? Ms. Pasich was not complaining about the color of her neighbors house. She was complaining about six nuisance dogs barking at all hours of the day and night and running loose in her neighborhood. She has a right to look cranky. She may be the only neighbor of the six or seven complainers to have the intestinal fortitude to have her picture taken.
dv727
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 4:15 p.m.
The photo suggests to me she is the type of individual who would complain about the color of the neighbor's house impeding HER enjoyment of HER backyard because it "offends" her eyes. This must not be the PETA neighborhood of A2.
Carole
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.
Having on more than one occasion of being awaken at any time between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. with a yippy dog barking in back of my home, I can appreciate the concern the many folks had with these dogs, which have been barking for a number of years. Responsible dog owners is what is needed.
slave2work
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
You didnt read the story very good. Maybe go back and try again. 7( seven) , different callers filed complaints, where in that story did you get it was just the neighbor?. I have a suggestion, let them move all 6 dogs next door to you!!
a2citizen
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
Sibianni, If I told you how we use to handle dogs like that in Detroit my comment would get deleted.
City Confidential
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.
Flame war ensues. Internet flamer gets attention. Bravo.
A2comments
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 10:23 a.m.
To give three? Give up...
David Martel
Sat, Aug 20, 2011 : 11:11 a.m.
Thanks A2comments. It's now been fixed.