Running At Large

At large

The dictionary definitions of "at large" are broad and inclusive:

• Miriam‑ Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 654 (10th ed.2001) defines "at large" as "free of restraint or confinement."
• Black's Law Dictionary 122 (7th ed.1999) defines "at large" as "[f]ree; unrestrained; not under control."
• Furthermore, American Jurisprudence defines "running at large" as "strolling, without restraint or confinement, as wandering, roving and rambling at will without restraint." 4 Am.Jur.2d Animals § 50 at 390 (1995)

As an Animal Control Officer, I have always related to the term Running At Large. Perhaps some small part of me has always been running. Not in a bad way, and not running AWAY certainly. The words “Free of restraint or confinement” and “Strolling”, invoke a feeling of freedom and the ability to do something without limits and that is truly satisfying. That there is something out there-for me-and I’m determined to keep running towards it.   So I'm going to keep running at large and maybe I'll find something--GREAT!

The literal interpretation of running at large, where it pertains to animals, isn't nearly as romantic as the definition makes it sound,  at least in the county I live and work in. The idea  of  pets being prevented from  "wandering, roving and rambling" and  being  "free of confinement ",  brings to mind a sad eyed black lab standing behind a chain link kennel, longing for a lost and beloved master,  a sad song by Sarah McLachlan playing in the back ground. But laws are written to give people a standard of what is to be expected, and it is my job to make sure that those rules, however restrictive, are obeyed for the well being  of our four legged friends.

RUNNING AT LARGE.

It shall be unlawful for any owner or custodian to allow any dog to run at large. The Animal Control Officer shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. Any person, who permits his dog to run at large, or remain unconfined, unrestricted or not penned up and off the property of the owner or custodian, shall be deemed in violation of this section.

I have worked as an animal control officer for 8 years. I don’t claim to know it all. Far from it. I learn something new every day. My interpretation of the law and of humane handling of animals is taken very seriously.  Over the years officer discretion makes the job, well, more bearable and less disheartening, and fun. This job isn't the hardest and certainly not the easiest. But on a good day it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I hope to share some of this with you.