Rural Torrance County, A Giant Country Dog Park?

Does all of this open land in Torrance County create a giant country dog park? What prompted this post was a brief conversation along one of our county roads. Seeing a vehicle on the side of the road and with the driver walking away from the vehicle, I assumed they were having trouble so I stopped to offer assistance. The driver indicated that they had let their dogs out to exercise. I explained that there were cattle all around to which the driver commented they were aware of that which is why they selected their exercise locations very carefully. Not more than a quarter of a mile away, was cattle gathered at a drink tank. Carefully selected location? 
Those who are new to the area and new to rural living may misunderstand what all of this open space is all about and possibly have no understanding of the ramification of allowing their dogs to roam about freely. I ask that those folks please consider the following;

1. Private property – the open space you allow your dogs to run on is owned by someone other than yourself. Their yard is just bigger than yours and is primarily used for agricultural production. Would you allow your local rancher to drop off their cattle in your yard?

2. Trespass – because this land is not yours, your animals are trespassing while roaming so in effect you are trespassing. If you want to allow your dogs to roam freely, please have the courtesy to find out who owns the land and at least ask their permission – don’t assume it’s a go just because you don’t see any livestock.

3. Right to Shoot – New Mexico statute allows for the shooting of animals, including dogs that endanger livestock. You may not believe that your pets pose a threat, but as a cattle owner, I can tell you that dogs will cause cattle to run. At a minimum, your dog could run my cattle through fences which will cost me time and money to gather my herd and repair fence, or at a maximum cause my cattle to run themselves to death which would be a significant financial loss for my family. Trust me, ranchers would prefer not to shoot any dog but they will do so to protect their livestock.

4. Natural Dangers – were you aware that your dogs could be bitten by rabid wild life, be attacked or eaten by coyotes, bears, mountain lions or other predatory species in the area, that your dogs could become infected with lice and other vermin that could carry plague back to your home just by coming into contact with native species?

5. Man Made Dangers – were you aware that some land owners will set traps and poison bates for coyotes, that your dogs could be attacked and possibly killed by dogs owned by the land owners on which your animals are trespassing on?

No, rural Torrance County and all of that beautiful open land is not a giant dog park it belongs to your neighbors so please be a good neighbor, respect the private property of others and keep your dogs safe by leashing them and walking them if appropriate areas.