Proper Pet Care keeps Base Beautiful

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Thousands of military families and their pets from all over America call Barksdale their home. The base offers all the comforts that any family would want--a gas station, supermarket, department store, churches and a movie theatre can all be found on base.
This family-friendly community also has plenty of areas for recreation and relaxation, including wide-open green spaces in or very near to most of our historic housing.
These shared community areas rely on good neighbors to do their part and keep them up for the betterment of the entire community. One of the key ways for a resident to help out is by being a responsible pet owner. 

"Our open spaces on Barksdale can get ugly and unsanitary when people stop being good neighbors and let their pets run wild," said Bruce Cohn, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron compliance manager for housing privatization. 

The expectations for being a good neighbor and responsible pet owner are fully explained for base residents. 

"Residents must pick up and properly dispose of animal waste in their yard and residents who walk their pet must carry a plastic bag to retrieve and dispose of any droppings" Mr. Cohn added. 

Owners shouldn't worry that they will be forced to drag a shovel and a bag wherever they go on base; local pet stores offer new and innovative products that owners can carry on their leash to help pick up after their pooch. Also, plans are in the works to install pet waste trash cans along Bossier road to help owners keep the neighborhood clean. 

"Our base supplements and the new pet policies under the housing privatization lease clearly state that all pet owners must clean up after their animals and ensure they are under control at all times," said Lt. Col. Sharyn McWhorter, 2d Mission Support Group deputy commander. 

Pets usually stay in the home or in a pen during the work day; so they need exercise when their owners return from work. Base regulations allow owners to get in a jog or a game of fetch: 

"While walking pets in housing or containment areas, secure the animal by a suitable leash or chain. Pets may run loose in unpopulated areas such as open fields or away from dwellings or offices if the owner is present and the pet is under strict voice control of the owner or caretaker"
(Barksdale Air Force Instruction 32-1: Installation Pet Control Procedures)

Residents can request a copy of pet care rules from the housing flight for more information. 

Pet waste is just one concern of being a pet owner. Sometimes pets can be a threat to the safety of others, especially when a pet bites a person or another pet. 

Recently, an owner made the mistake of putting their dog on a line that had enough slack to reach the sidewalk. A mailman was on a delivery route and the dog was able to bite the man because he was improperly secured in the back yard. 

Taking a moment to double check your pet's leash, kennel or fence line could be saving you from possible financial liability if your pet ever attacked a base resident. 

Pets can also be a nuisance to neighbors if they howl or bark loudly; pets should be well-behaved and not disturb others. 

"All residents of base housing are expected to be responsible neighbors, as well as responsible pet owners," said Colonel McWhorter. "The safety, security, and health of our residents is paramount."