When given the choice to allow your pooch to be off leash in an area that doesn't enforce it, what will you choose? Your choice is indeed a life or death decision, so choose wisely. Here's an important interview to read to get you thinking about this issue more:

While people applaud cities like Carmel-by-the-Sea, California for being so dog friendly, as a dog trainer I worry about the “anti-leash” trend that is growing.

I spoke with Andrea Servadio, co-founder of Fitdog Sports Club, a full service doggy daycare located in Santa Monica, California about leash laws and why she believes every city should have them.

There seems to be a growing trend to not put dogs on leash – why do you think that is?

AS: I’m sure every person has their own reasons for not wanting to put their dog on leash. I find that some people feel guilty that their dog is always kept on a leash and not able to roam freely.

There are many issues that arise in these scenarios. Here are just a few to consider:

• Pet waste is not picked up properly resulting in unkept sidewalks, yards and other areas and also environmental issues
• Dogs are able to get into physical confrontations and hurt each other
• Dogs are able to approach people and potentially hurt them (even if by jumping on them)
• Dogs are more likely to contract illnesses and parasites from other dogs
• Dogs can engage in unsafe behaviors such as eating dog poop or random items off of the ground
• Dogs can harm or kill wildlife in the area
• Dogs that are not fixed can reproduce and cause an increase in stray dogs resulting in a further strain on animal shelters/animal enforcement (and an increase cost to the city and taxpayers)
• Dogs are able to run into the road and cause injury to themselves and other people

Have you heard of any tragic circumstance resulting from dogs off leash?

AS: Two customers recently informed me that their dogs died while being off-leash. In both incidents, the dogs darted into the road and were hit and killed by an oncoming car.

Things can happen that you would never have thought possible when you are out and about. Keep your dog and others safe by keeping them leashed up.

To read this important interview in its entirety, visit I Heart Dogs. Remember — having a pup off leash may be considered “fun,” but their safety is what matters the most. Horrible things can happen to dogs that are very trained too, (such as encountering a dog that IS NOT trained and is off leash), so think before you unleash and save your pet's life.