Keep the market safe, leave dogs at home

As a parent and a victim of a nasty dog attack, I am concerned about the safety of the patrons attending the Downtown Farmers Market that is held on two Saturdays of each month in Cedar Rapids during June, July, August and September.

As I took my children to the farmers market last Saturday, I noticed how many people were in attendance with dogs of all sizes. As we walked around, I noticed many dogs lunging at other dogs and being held back by their owners.

I understand these dogs are on leashes, but many times it takes a good couple of minutes to stop the scuffle. One woman even had a pit bull there. My daughter was extremely frightened as she saw this dog and exclaimed, “That's a pit bull!”

I love the farmers market and I enjoy dogs. However, dogs should be taken to the dog parks for entertainment. They only get in the way at the farmers market, have potential bitings and scuffles with other dogs and, no matter how well behaved, dogs are known to attack at any time.

I would really like to see the farmers market put a ban on dogs, no matter how small or large, for the safety of our community.

Darci John

Cedar Rapids