He’s got a message for the city
By Joey Berlin
Originally published 01:24 p.m., July 8, 2008
Updated 01:24 p.m., July 8, 2008
Photo by Jordan Haiduk
Rex Bailes has converted his Chevrolet pick-up into a "jail for dogs" in protest of Emporia City Commissioners directing the city's dog-at-large ordinance to be applied to dogs in truck beds.
If Rex Bailes has to keep his dogs confined while they ride in the back of his pickup truck, he’s going to let everyone know, loudly and provocatively, just how he feels about it — and who he thinks is to blame.
After being pulled over and cited on June 26 for toting his dogs in the bed of his Chevrolet Z71 without restraint, Bailes decided on an unorthodox means of compliance. His dogs, 14-year-old Lucas and 3-year-old Daisy, now take their joyrides in the truck while surrounded by a fenced enclosure with a wooden frame. The wooden panels display large white letters getting Bailes’ message across.
“Per City Commissioners,” reads the message adorning the rear, “Jail For Dogs.” Other parts of the enclosure urge onlookers to “Fight Crime Not Dogs.”
The city commission’s decision last fall to apply an existing dog-at-large ordinance to dogs riding in the beds of pickup trucks was a decision Bailes was vocally against from the beginning. Now, while he uses his truck to help him get the word out about his cause, Bailes says he has started a petition to get the city to allow dogs to ride without restraint.
“There’s only one other county that I know of in this state of Kansas that has this kind of law,” Bailes said. “And that’s (Johnson County).”
He said he’s taken his dogs around town for 12 years without any problems. Bailes and his wife, Vicky, who’s also against the ordinance, haven’t spoken directly to commissioners since their directive to apply the law to dogs in trucks.
“(If) I did talk to them ... I would probably go to jail,” Rex Bailes said. “Because I would probably hit one of them in the mouth. Because I’m just that strong about it.
“They don’t care what people think. They’ve all got a silver spoon stuck in their mouth and have had that silver spoon stuck in their mouth since they was kids. ... They feel like they can just run whatever they want to, and they do.”
Last September, when some community members urged the city commission to pass an ordinance banning dogs from riding in truck beds, the commission asked City Attorney Blaise Plummer to review the city’s dog-at-large ordinance. Plummer decided that the ordinance on the books, which requires animals to be tethered in an unenclosed area off the owner’s premises, also applied to dogs in trucks.
In a letter dated Sept. 28, City Manager Matt Zimmerman notified Rex Bailes that the commission had directed the Emporia Police Department to be made aware of the regulations, and that police would issue warnings until Jan. 1. Beginning with the new year, the letter said, truck owners toting unrestrained dogs would be subject to a ticket.
Commissioners Julie Johnson and Jim Kessler both said that if there were enough support for changing the ordinance, the commission could revisit it.
“It’s kind of hard, because I don’t have dogs, never have,” Kessler said. “... I think last summer, I was more of the opinion that we had more important things to worry about. But the people from the (Flint Hills) Humane Society brought forth some legitimate concerns, and so we listened to ’em.
“Whether I’m personally for it or against it — I guess I’d have to listen to those folks that know more about animals and their safety. ... Quite honestly, I don’t have strong feelings one way or the other.”
Kessler said he took exception to the message on Bailes’ truck fingering city commissioners.
“If it’s a law already on the books, then everybody should be expected to follow that law,” he said. “But there’s a lot of people that do things that blame the city commission, maybe fair or unfair. Doesn’t really bother me as far as when somebody does something kind of outrageous like that. But I would hope that he would see that we didn’t do anything new.”
Rex Bailes said he has taken his dogs out in his truck every day for the past 12 years and never had a problem, sometimes leaving them in the truck at night for two to three hours.
“You ought to be at our house when he gets home from work,” Vicky Bailes said. “The excitement, knowing they’re going for a ride — you can’t calm ’em down.”
Rex said his dogs don’t like the new weld-wire walls surrounding them on their rides.
“They’re hindered,” he said. “And I don’t blame ’em. I mean, they know they’ve gotta live with it, and I’ve told both of ’em they gotta live with it. But they’re not happy with it.”
He said others who have seen his truck so far love his message.
“They said, ‘You’re the only one that has ever stated your opinion to where everybody can see it,’” he said. “The rest of the people, I guess, are maybe skeptical about doing it, or somebody don’t wanna make somebody else mad, because they’ve got more money than the other guy’s got. Well, I don’t care nothing about any of that.”
Bailes said he has about 500 signatures on his petition now. Anyone interested in signing it may contact him at (316) 217-4141.
On July 31, he goes to court to answer his citation. He said he’ll pay the $90 fine.
“If that’s what they wanna be, they wanna be chicken (expletive) about it,” he said, “I’ll pay my fine and smile at ’em, and tell ’em my dogs are still riding on my truck, just like they did.”
Comments
We allow registered users to post comments on this Web site. To learn more about our posting policies please read our User Poster Agreement Policy.
Posted by commonsensebound (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Rex. Why stop with the dogs on the back of the pickups, why not enforce the noise ordinance for loud music or would that be enforced equally?????? There are those readers that will understand that. You can not tell me a cop does not hear the same music I hear in my vehicle when it is stopped right next to me at a stop light. I can even sit in my back yard and hear the music from a park on South Ave. and I am over 4 blocks away from it. So commissioners where is the equal justice, maybe they are right some of you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth thanks to your daddy, and have forgotten what it took to get it there. Trust me you say one thing and then make it very difficult to want to do anything in this town since it is all so lopsided. Wake up Emporians and let our commissioners know what we really think. One small voice will turn into one loud one if we all say something.
Posted by Deepthoughts (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can understand being upset about a law that someone disagrees with, but threatening a physical attack or insulting someone is only hurting Mr. Bailes' ability to make a good argument. If this is his biggest problem, perhaps he should consider himself lucky. Maybe instead of being so negative, he could take his "dog jail" and go round up all the stray dogs running at large to help out Animal Control since they can't keep up with all the calls. Just a thought.
Also Mr. Bailes says about the city commissioners
“They don’t care what people think. They’ve all got a silver spoon stuck in their mouth and have had that silver spoon stuck in their mouth since they was kids. ... They feel like they can just run whatever they want to, and they do.”
Funny, but I'd say a man that says he would hit one of the commissioners if he had to talk to them and that had to be cited several times for not following the new dog law sounds like the person who thinks he can just do whatever he wants to do.
I think it's time to get over the rich (silver spoon) vs. poor, black vs. white, male vs. female, dog vs. cat arguments people always go back to - they are irrelevant and only used when a person can't think of a real reason to back up their claim. In my opinion, people who are willing to put all the time and energy into this town like the city commissioners do obviously CARE about this town and the people in it. Someone who would put a sign like this on the back of their truck obviously doesn't care what people think. Just my opinion.
Posted by booker5m (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As far as the loud music I think the solution would be next time you pull up and the rap garbage is shaking your car,We should throw in a Slim Whitman CD and crank it up!
Posted by frulu (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just because you want to be a City Commissioner that does not mean that you care about the town. Some people do those kinds of things for prestige!
Posted by ladybug (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For 8 years I have known Rex. He loves his dogs with everything fiber of his being. I have watched him train the 3 year old dog Daisy. Those dogs don't move from the truck unless he tells them to. They are wonderful people and wonderful dogs. I support my parents 110%. Good Job mom and Rex!
Posted by canchaser_412 (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go.....we have had dogs ride in the back of our trucks for years and never have had a problem with them. Our dogs are so excited to go for a ride that they never want to get back out of the truck. I think Emporia needs to worry about bigger things then dogs riding in the back of trucks.
Posted by ladybug (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to know where the good things are that mom and Rex said. They recounted the interview to me and I know they are not very happy about it. They have asked me to write to you that if you support them, please give them a call to sign the petition.
I really hope that my stepdad doesn't get any more mean and hurtful text messages. That is not the point of the phone number.
Posted by slipandslide (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
if city ordinance says a dog needs to be confined or chained including being confined to a car, how can riding in the back of the truck count as being at large?
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think its great that people are publicly speaking out about what they believe but think we need not to threaten with physical force. Too many good ways to change what we dont like to resort to that. I personally do not have a problem with dogs in the back of trucks nor have I heard of any. Maybe he could enter it in the next parade with his dogs in there. That would get a message across then afterwards people could sign the petition. Too bad we didnt have one on the 4th for him but I think he should on the next one.
Posted by jmb232 (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wouold think that if he cared that much for his dogs, which he obviosly does, he wouldn't complain about having to restrain them in the bed of his truck. Children can't be in bed of a truck legally for safely reasons so why not be extra careful with the dogs. What if one of them slipped and fell out when he was in transit? He may wan't to consider this.....jb
Posted by commonsensebound (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jb, take a look around in this town and see how many children are not in child restraint seats as is directed by stated and federal law. Can we really think that our little town is better than that. I have seen his dogs ride on the back of the truck and they never go anywhere. In fact his dogs are even more well behaved than most children and tend to listen better. I will support Rex always.
Posted by sociallyconsious (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a firm believer if you do not like the way things are being done, you change them. However, you make that change within the boundaries of the law. Threatening physical violence does not accomplish anything, nor does belittling the people who are elected to uphold, enforce, or make the law.
Just because you have been doing something for 12 years does not make it smart or safe. It sounds like you love and care for your animals. Although you have been very lucky to not have had any of them injured, others have. For this reason a law was created. Laws are made to protect the majority.
Many years ago you could drive down the street holding your toddler in your arms. Now your child has to be in a car seat. Many of us lived through riding without car seats or seat belts. When times changed and laws were written it was because of necessity for everyones safety. Just as this is for the safety of the dogs which you care about. I am sure your dogs are not happy about being confined, just as children do not like car seats.
We live in a democratic society, so please use your freedom of speech by making your signs and having a petition. I would ask that in the future you act like a responsible and positive role model to the younger generation reading the paper, and not threaten violence.
Posted by nks (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Jb, take a look around in this town and see how many children are not in child restraint seats as is directed by stated and federal law.":
Maybe instead of seeking out blue heelers in beds of moving trucks they should look around to see the children crawling around moving SUV's and in the front seats of cars. You see them at almost every stop light or simply by sitting in your car at any business parking lot.
It is a shame that this seemed a priority of the city and one of the reasons why this town is a laughing stock around the state. I have been numerous places and when I tell them that I am from Emporia they say things like, oh, I'm sorry, or that is the place that smells and has a walmart, that down is ran down and filthy, etc.......
Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would have no problem with getting rid of the law if someone could guarantee me that no dog riding in the back of a pickup could ever get hurt by jumping out.
Unfortunately, I don't see how anyone can do that, so it sounds to me that the law is a good one designed to protect our canine friends. And since the law must be applied equally, it really doesn't matter if your dog has ridden injury-free for 12 years.
On the other hand, Mr. Bailes may have come up with a great solution for allowing his dogs to ride in the back of his trip while greatly reducing the chance of injury.
Mr. Bailes, your Doggy Jail may be a marketable product. I would consider buying one for my truck, should the price be right.
Posted by Iloveemporia (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Have u heard of the new law that the Commissioners passed' If you fart in the city limits it going to be a felony. hahahahhahah only in emporia would this law really happen.
Posted by b_k (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is nice that people are willing to take their animals out for a ride Mr.Bailes I would not question your animals you know them best.But would you stand up for everyone whom let's thier animal ride in the back of a vehicle.NOT everyone is a responsable pet owner that is why we have dog at large laws in Emporia even though they are not very well enforced.My husband when we first met had got a puppy whom rode in the back of his truck one ride almost cost him his life he jumped out in excitement and fortunately hit the dtch and not our back tire.Just because you have a well ridden dog does not mean everybody has that well ridden of a dog.It sounds Like YOUR the only one acting like they have a silver sppon you are thrwoing a fit because you didn't get your wa.SO if the commissioners have a silver sppon in their mouthes WHERE is yours stuck? I mean your not thinking of they whole picture only your own and I would agree the commissioner have done things I think are dumb as hell but really is this one of them???
Posted by nks (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess they have all the budget issues and business oppurtunities figured out for this town.
Now they can spend their time and our money on highly important ordinances like this.
So when a farmer or rancher is out in the field or checking fences, and has to make a quick trip to town, he either has to run home and drop off his dog, or he has to stop at the city limit and let his dog jump in the front. Next thing you know, they will pass on ordinance that all pets must be buckled in.
I bet there is a convention in Vegas they can go to so they can more effeciently pass these laws.
Posted by dhcc66 (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to refer back to what somebody said in another fourm. Why do we spend all our time bashing the laws instead of putting that energy into changing it? nothing positive comes from all of what you folks are putting in here except to vent your frusterations about some law that has exsisted for years.
why not spend some of that energy positively and get a petition together to change the ordinance?? from what I understand, all it takes to repeal an ordinance is to get it on the ballot next election and have a majority vote against it.
it would be nice to see the people who so vocally oppose this law spend some of this energy getting this petition signed because you are correct, the police have better things to do.
my suggestion is that it would be ok to let the dogs ride where they might, but if one gets loose, or if it suffers an untimely fate under the wheel of your truck or somebody elses....then you get charged... how about that?
Posted by esu42 (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We used to let our dogs ride in the bed of our truck for many years, until one of them jumped/fell out onto a gravel road and was injured. Now they ride in the cab with us.
It doesn't take much to secure your dog while you're travelling, and it can save a good dog. What if you're driving in town and get T-boned at an intersection? Do you think your dog's going to make it out okay unsecured in the back? It only takes one unforseen incident to get a good dog hurt, and I've heard way too many stories about dogs getting injured in unsecured truck beds.
Posted by Merry_Carol (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Bailes may have his dogs trained well enough that they won't jump out. There are a couple of things to consider though.
First of all, even his dogs are not immune to the laws of physics. Maybe they'll never have a problem, but a body in motion tends to stay in motion, so if Mr. Bailes throws a bearing or hits something he's not expecting, those dogs will indeed fly around, perhaps being badly injured.
The other thing to consider is that he's not the only person riding around with his dogs in the back of his pick-up. There are sometimes problems with dogs.
For instance, some years ago I witnessed a neighbor take a corner at a normal speed, the dog was off balance and fell out of the back of the truck and the man ran over his dog with the rear tires of his truck. He was devastated. The dog was in horrible pain and had to be put down.
Another time I saw a young dog hang himself off the side of a truck. The owner had restrained the dog with a leash that was too long. The dog jumped out and was hung. If he hadn't been restrained, he'd have hit the ground at about 65 mph, and likely my car would have killed him. The dog should have been properly restrained or in the cab with its owner.
There are reasons for these laws, and rather than be so negative about our elected lawmakers, maybe we should be grateful that they care, even about our pets.
People who aren't responsible enough to restrain babies or pets just need to be told they have to. They'll be safer.
As for threatening violence, that is uncalled for. And it won't get anything changed.
My dogs ride in the cab of my truck with me. We consider them family, and we don't put other family members back there. They are in the cab in air conditioned or heated comfort.
If Mr. Bailes simply has to have his dogs outside the cab, I think he's come up with a remarkable and wonderful way to restrain them. I cannot imagine why they'd be bothered if they stay in the bed of the truck anyway. They shouldn't be hanging over the sides, so I bet they'll get used to that cage and love it. That was ingenious.
Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems the petty laws get inforced and the important ones are over looked. The land of the free gets less free each year. You cant turn your cheek and there is a new law for every little thing.
Posted by nks (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hottopics,
I think you hit the nail on the head. That is what most of us anti posters are talking about.
I own and love our dog and have owned dogs since I was a kid on the farm. I ,in no way like to see a dog get hurt or suffer, but I find it alarming that the powers that be can dictate how we transport our pets.
Like I posted before, I wish they would spend their time focusing on all the kids in town riding illegally. It absolutely makes my blood boil to see several toddlers not buckled in riding through town.
Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."
I have several and I would do my best to protect them, even if it means obeying a law I may or may not agree with.
Posted by Kansan (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gov't run amuck! Deepthoughts, take a deep breath and lighten up. Rex, way to go!
Posted by Kansan (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If those people that suggested this law about "dogs at large" were really concerned about safety, I think dogs riding in driver's laps are a much bigger threat to public safety than dogs in the back of a pick up.
Posted by wyse_guy (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What has happened to this city looks like the anti christ has moved in as city commissioner.
Merry carol -- is your dog restrained in your vehicle or are you a law breaker to.
Maybe some of you didnt pay attention to the new law,it not only states NO DOGS IN THE BACK OF PICKUP TRUCKS BUT NO "UNRESTRAINED" ANIMAL IN YOUR VEHICLE.That means your animal can not be running loose inside your car or truck either.So you still think rex is wrong.Maybe your animal would like riding around in a dog box in your car.Its all the same law.
Posted by Merry_Carol (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wyse guy, my dogs are in the back seat restrained in a safe manner where they can still move around, but not jump into the front. They have comfortable blankets to sleep on. We even practice safe driving with our dogs in the car when we are in states and areas where there are no laws. We love our dogs.
Kansan, dogs should not be in a driver's lap, ever. That is so dangerous.
I think we need to be reasonable and safe, not only for ourselves, but for everyone else on the road.
Posted by commonsensebound (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For those of you not familiar with the law here it is go to www.emporia.ws/ there you will find the city code. In the city code go to chapter 6 article 2 division 1 and you will find it in Section 6-22. If you have questions about it call the city office and get your questions answered. I fully agree that this is a good place to vent but also for people to learn more about what others are thinking.
Merry_Carrol can you guarentee your dogs will not get to the front??? Unless you have them in a kennel, seat belt for dogs or a gate like you will see in a police vehicle you can not I am sorry to say.
If a car is T-boned the animal will be injured unless they are in a seat belt even if they are inside of the vehicle. I personally plan on signing the petition and will hopefully get others to sign as well.
Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hummmmmm! If this law has been on the books for so long why hasn't it been enforced with vigor until now ?
Perhaps the City Manager and City Commissioners have figured out a way to make up for the budget shortage by ordering the police to vigorously enforce an old law in order to collect $90.00 fines from pet owners to make up the budget short fall, hummmmmm, if so, what old never before enforced law will be next, spitting in public, after all there is also a no jay-walking law on the book that has never been enforced, how about the no littering law,also as someone mentioned earlier there is a noise ordance that is not enforced, boy if all the laws that are on the books were strictly enforced The City of Emporia would have to have a police force of, oh I don't know, maybe 1500 police officers and another new court house and a bank of its own just to hold all the fine money.
By the way has anyone here ever read the literary masterpiece called ''BIG BROTHER ( IS WATCHING) '' by George Orwell ?
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have been hearing complaints about police not responding to vicious dog calls or issueing tickets to the owners for allowing dogs to run at large.
But ..... if you want to take your dog out for a ride you better have your checkbook ready for the fine unless it is restrained.
We can thank the irresponsible pet owners once again for these ridiculous ordinances.
The ones who are responsible pay the price. My dogs LOVE to go for rides and feel the wind blowing in their faces. They sit next to the window and enjoy the wind flapping their ears. They LOVE it, especially when we pull into McDonalds for their fries! They love going through drive-up windows at some of the local banks because they know they are going to get a treat!
I have already signed the petition and have several others in line to sign it as well.
I cant take my dogs for a ride legally without being restrained ...but I can come home and find irresponsible pet owners allowing their dogs to run loose, potty in my yard and others and leave piles of unwanted dog poo while they are standing there waiting on them to finish....They just smile and walk away when their dog has finished.
Posted by blackroses_ducki3 (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am the one who wrote the letter into the gazette to help Rex start this.. and I just want to say thank you to Joey for reading it and helping Rex out.
Posted by MelissaGarrison (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the city's up in arms about dogs in the back of trucks, how about the pit bulls running around on the roof at 1125 exchange.... i guess they don't have to wake up to their growling and barking every night like i do.
Posted by ksgirl (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, I'd rather have the dogs in the back of the truck rather then running wild inside the vehicle. You can train your dog not to jump out of the back of the truck. When teaching our dog we took him out and at a safe speed we let him jump out. He hasn't jumped since. I think he learned his lesson. Next thing you know dogs will be required to wear seatbelts...Click it or ticket for man's best friend!
Posted by sunshine (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our family has a dog and rarely do we take her in the car. I don't like my car smelling like my dog...if I had a pickup I might have thought about taking her out more because she does love to go for rides. I do get irritated though when I see people with their pets in their laps as they are driving, pets in vehicles while their people are inside air conditioned stores and the animal is inside a hot car faithfully waiting for the owner's return. I get irritated when a big scary looking dog is in the back of a pickup and is growling and barking at me or my kids. I get upset when I see large mean looking dogs running around my neighborhood and once even camped out on my porch not allowing me to walk out of my front door.
It always amazes me how many people have very little common sense when it comes to their pets, fellow citizens, and even their own children. I don't know what the answers are or if it is right or wrong to have your dog in the back of your pickup,I guess I can see both sides of this issue but it doesn't really make sense to me for it to fall under the dog at large ordinance, I think its a separate issue.
I look around and see all kinds of issues in this town that should be talked about as much as this one...kids running around at night (causing my kids to think that I am mean and strict to make them be inside the house by dark no matter what time that is, particularly unpopular when sunset is early). I see signs hung on the utility poles on my block that indicate gang activity, or shoes hung over electrical lines indicating gang territory (information that I had to hear from one of my kids who thinks that gangs are stupid). I see houses and property that are major eyesores and probably a danger to people and animals. All of these things are issues that I think people should be complaining about and banding together to do something about. I wouldn't be offended if I saw them talked about in the paper on a daily basis until something was done about them or the problems are resolved.
So thank you Mr. Bailes and all of those in favor or against Mr. Bailes actions and/or the ordinance for standing up for what you believe in. Thank you to the Gazette for giving us this outlet to vent our frustrations, express our gratitude or enthusiasm about the goings on of our town, and to have a way to have open discussions about these issues and many times making us think about things that we wouldn't normally give the time of day.
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hmm if animal control can only issue WARNIGS and not TICKETS then why is it dispatch refers everyone to animal control .... You have to file a COMPLAINT and appear in court in order for them to charge a dog owner for dog at large etc ... but if drive your vehicle down the street with a dog in it they wont hesitate to pull you over and give you a TICKET, no complaints required!
There are ALOT more dogs running wild then there is riding in vehicles.
Vehicles are easy targets ... walking up to a dog owners door takes more time and effort, maybe even more paperwork or chance of being bit more so then stopping a vehicle because of a dog inside a vehicle enjoying a nice breeze blowing in their faces and flapping their ears!
Posted by JohnDoe (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
is this the guy with the "cowboy" sticker on his truck? If so, I think I've seen his dogs riding on the back toolbox of his truck. Looks like it's one abrupt turn away from disaster but aren't there more important things to be concerned about?
Posted by PocketKings (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Emporia has a lot of problems like the one mentioned above, topeka can shoot fireworks in town right?
Silly unnecessary laws being added is really dumb.
Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's all stop and think about this for a minute. The City Manager and City Commissioners are facing a budget crisis, not enough money, so they are having to come up with ways to add money to the budget, and since we all do not want higher taxes, the order by the City Manager and City Commissioners to start enforcing a never before enforced law is the way they have thought of to do it and therefore you may see the enforcement of a lot more laws that were never enforced before. I was just wondering how many tickets were issued for setting off fireworks illegaly inside the City limits? Money minded ''BIG BROTHER (IS WATCHING)'' and drooling and waiting to pounce. Citizens of Emporia be very wary because you don't know when or where you may be ticketed for a never before enforced law. You may even see a Police Officer in your yard with a ruler measuring how tall your grass is, after all not keeping your grass within a certain requirement may end up costing you $500.00 !
I most certainly believe that the budget crisis the City of Emporia is now experiencing is due mostly to the non-discretionary spending of present and previous City Administrations.
Posted by Merry_Carol (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Common-sense bound, Yes, my dogs are restrained with doggie seat belts we designed when I worked for a veterinarian years ago. They are comfortable and happy that way.
Anything in the car that is not buckled down somehow could become a lethal weapon in an accident. Humans can crush each other's skulls when their bodies fly about in a car.
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smith says there were 12 firework citations issued. According to KVOE.
The fines from those 12 citations wont even cover the cost of payroll for the extra officers. lmao
Posted by friend (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think everyone is missing the picture. It is not about the dogs, these new laws being dug up or not about anything except one thing . . . . .. . . .MONEY!!! I guarantee you the police men are being directed to give tickets, give tickets, give tickets. That will be their main focus and job description. Why? Its the money!!!
Posted by friend (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I want to make it clear that I think the police are doing a very good job in this town. In my previous comment my intention was that just another burden has been added to the police force because the town needs money and that is another way of generating revenue. I am very glad that we have policemen and women protecting us and making us safe---lets not add too much other things to do to their list.
Posted by antmarching (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What an absolute joke this is. How would this guy feel if he were to get t-boned in an intersection and his dogs were thrown from his truck and killed by oncoming traffic? The city isn't against Rex and his dogs. The city is giving you a helmet to protect the little brain inside your big head.
Posted by offc_grl76 (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION.......THIS MORNING I SAW REX AT A RED LIGHT HE PUT HIS TRUCK IN PARK, GOT OUT AND WAS HANDING OUT FLYERS TO OTHER VEHICLES ABOUT HIS DOGS IN HIS TRUCKS.....HOW IS THIS SAFE AND LEGAL????????
HE IS SO CONCERNED ABOUT HIS DOGS HE SHOULD BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT CAUSING TRAFFIC HAZARDS
Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Methusla, I am not a stickler by nature, but....
George Orwell never wrote anything called "BIG BROTHER (IS WATCHING)"....I believe that the literary masterpiece you are referring to in entitled "1984". It doesn't really apply to enforcing laws already on the books, but is more about controlling all aspects of a population and preventing subversion of the status quo.
While I support Rex's personal freedom and don't like to see everything under the sun regulated by government entities, I have to admit that the dog that always rides up on the truck box always looks as if he/she is going to fall off. I'm sure Mr. Bailes thinks about the dogs in the back while he is driving, but out of the 20 or 30 times I've seen him driving them around I would say 15 of the times it just looked unsafe. Pets are property though, and Rex should be albe to haul his dogs around town anyway he sees fit. More power to you, Mr. Bailes and I would sign your petition in a heartbeat. I may do just that!!
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The city could make a whole lot more money by enforcing the housing codes. By enforcing the housing codes would take more effort such as getting out of their offices and doing inspections or even drive-bys of rental properties and or run down properties. The city takes time to look for lawns overgrown for a chance at a 500.00 fine, but to heck with how slumlords take care of their properties that they actually expect people to live in.
Take a drive around emporia and look at all the dilapidated properties. They put the slumlord project on the back burner. The city would rather see people/children live in unsafe, moldy, fire hazards, falling in homes due to lack of maintenance and upkeep then to see a dog/family member enjoying a casual car/truck ride!! These slumlords are making profits for NOT keeping their properties up to code. Why not make some of these visual eyesores/hazardous homes priority instead of picking on animals.
I have a LARGE pet taxi for my dogs, problem is it wont even fit through the car door! What are we expected to do force a dog into a taxi small enough to fit through the car door....
If the city wants to make money they could think of better ways to do it!!
Maybe they could follow what UPS is doing and make no LEFT turns to help conserve. Just a thought.....
Posted by scripta (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's just a shame Rex couldn't make his "Jail for Dogs" out of sound-proof glass for all us pedestrians who have had the bejesus scared out of us when Rex and his dogs drive by from behind. Rex has trained them to ride very well in the truck now if he could only train them not to bark at people walking down the sidewalk like they want at your throat. (notice I said "like")
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dogs can't ride in a vehicle without restraints such as a crate or pet taxi without being ticketed for it.... but a motorcycle rider can ride without a helmet!?!?! Get REAL!
Posted by jim (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rex has no one to blame but himself. If he would have just let the dogs run in the back of his truck their would not have been a problem, but he let the dogs stand and move around on the top of his tool box. This was very dangerous, not only for the dogs, but others as well. If rex would have been content to let just let them be in the back. He has no one to blame but himself. Thank god the dogs were never hurt!
Posted by blackroses_ducki3 (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi, I am the mother of the 16 yr old girl that e-mailed the Gazette with pictures of Rex's truck, which prompted the Gazette's story on Rex and his Dogs. I am disappointed in the Gazette once again! Rex asked that the e-mail from my daughter be included, their response was No! The quotes in the article on Rex and his dogs, are one sided. The reporter chose to include in his article the things that Rex said out of anger and frustration, (like hitting someone) when they were asked not to print that. The reporter neglected to included the more positive quotes that Rex made. The reporter is new, and young, so his mistakes were forgiven by Rex and his wife. How odd, the original e-mail was written by a 16 yr old, and was far more accurate, positive, and had the flair of an experienced writer. Rex's statement on his truck, and the ticket issued to him was on an age old ordinance, not new, and was prompted by a disgruntled person out to get Rex any way he can. How can dogs be at large when they are contained by the confines of a truck bed? Why are the commisioners comparing Emporia to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the USA? Why was there no 4th of July Celebration in the town that prides itself on "being the FOUNDING CITY OF VETERANS DAY"? Would we even have Veterans if we didn't have Independence Day? I can't wait for a national paper to get ahold of "NO 4TH OF JULY IN HOMETOWN OF VETERANS DAY!" Once again Emporia and the townspeople will be made to look like we are incompetent fools. The sub-title to that headline could be "COMMINSIONERS NEEDED LONG OVERDUE VACATION TO VEGAS" "MORE TAX DOLLARS NEEDED, TOWNSPEOPLE BEING CITED ON OLD, LONG FORGOTTEN ORDINANCES." I could go on and on. The point is as my daughter said in her e-mail to the Gazette, could we not spend our tax dollars more wisely? How about cleaning up the gangs? Citing people for open alchol containers at Las Casitas Park, loud music at Las Casitas Park? (which by the way can be heard clearly up on 12th and Lincoln). Just something for all of us to think about. Maybe the Commisioners could budget for all of us to go to Vegas to see why Emporia is not growing? Surely, Rex has prepaid part of his way with his $90 fine! Wake up Emporians! Let us take a long look at the Commisioners and their goals! I personally think we should get some new "blood" in those offices! Besides all this, try and have a Great Day in Emporia!!!!!!!!
Posted by antmarching (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
scripta and jim are absolutely spot on. This is his own fault. We've all seen him riding around town with those dogs on his toolbox, barking at everything they see. Besides, if he loves his dogs so much, let them ride in the cab and spare us all the annoying barking!
Posted by KUtriSIS (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
" Sec. 6-22. Running At Large:
(a) It shall be unlawful for the owner or harborer of a dog or cat to permit the same to run at large. For the purposes of this article, a dog or cat shall be deemed to be running at large:
(1) When the dog or cat is not confined by a building, fence, cage or within a closed vehicle; or
(2) When the dog or cat is not restrained by means of a lead, leash, rope, chain or cord held by the owner or harborer; or
(3) When the dog or cat is not securely fastened by a rope, chain or cord to the ground, a tree or structure with strength sufficient to keep the dog or cat within the limits of the owner's or harborer's premises.
(b) An absolute defense to a complaint alleging a dog or cat to be running at large shall be proof that said dog or cat was at the time of such alleged violation within the limits of the owner's or harborer's premises and in the actual control of its owner or harborer actively exercised in the immediate presence of such owner or harborer, and should such defense be proven, the impoundment fee established herein shall not be collected, or if already collected, such fee shall be refunded. (Ord. 87-3, § 1, 1-21-1987) "
I'm sorry but I have read this section many times and I still do not see where anyone is getting that a dog or cat has to be restrained WHILE INSIDE a vehicle. I am arguing this because my dogs ride in my car with me and when I heard they had to be restrained even in there I had to take a closer look. The fact is that there is no where in the above that says the animals must be in a closed vehicle AND restrained. A truck bed obviously has the potential for the animal to jump or fall off the side, I'm sure that is why it is not considered a "closed vehicle".
Now i'm not saying that it's right or wrong that Rex got ticketed but they couldn't pick a better law to try to enforce??? Come on! I have a lot more problems with the loud music coming from the park at 11 at night than I have ever had with a dog in the back of a pick-up.
Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a clarification of fact, I checked and the cops did NOT on any extra people to enforce any violations over the 4th.
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
September 26th, 2007
By Jennifer Roblez
roblez@emporiagazette.com
Calling it a new interpretation of its “running at large” dog ordinance, Emporia city commissioners directed city staff to include unrestrained dogs in pickup trucks.
********************************************************
It’s already being applied to loose dogs in cars.
********************************************************
City Attorney Blaise Plummer’s opinion was that the current ordinance extends to loose dogs in pickup trucks and recommended its enforcement. A 90-day warning period will be allowed to educate the public.
“We have no choice but to enforce it,” said Commissioner Bobbie Agler.
Interim Police Chief Michael Lopez said he would draft a memo to his officers and staff advising them that the ordinance is on the books. But he said the department wouldn’t place a high priority on its enforcement over more serious matters.
He said the department issues on average 40 citations a year for dogs riding unrestrained in cars.
Posted by create (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Outsider J, you might want to check the following website which lists George Orwell's works. One, "1984," is listed as a book in print. Another, "1984 -- Big Brother is Watching You" is listed as an audio book. I'm sure the two are one in the same except for the title. Perhaps Methusla listened to the audio book.
https://www.hotbooksale.com/store/produc...
Posted by CassieJo (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
July 9th, 2008 - Gazette Poll
Do you approve of the Emporia City Commission enforcing an existing ordinance to prevent dogs riding in the back of pick up trucks?
Yes 40% 288 votes
No 56% 407 votes
Undecided 2% 20 votes
715 total votes
http://emporiagazette.com/polls/2007/sep...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He said the department issues on average 40 citations a year for dogs riding unrestrained in cars.
http://emporiagazette.com/news/2007/sep/...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
create. Then why would he/she ask if anyone had read instead of listening to it? I checked a source of Orwell's books before I posted I guess they didn't list audio books. Besides it doesn't explain the all caps or the parentheses.
Posted by jayhawker (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems that we feel that we must regulate everything. Dogs have been riding on the back of trucks since trucks were invented. I have no doubt that there have probably been some accidents involving the dogs, but overall it has not proven to be a problem. It it ain't broke, why are we fixing it? It is just another example of a freedom that we had being taken away.
Posted by scripta (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm much more worried about the people talking on their cell phones, or worse, "texting" while driving than somebody with fidon in their back seat.
Posted by methusla (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Outsiderj- you are quite right about George Orwells' novel in which mankind lived in a totalitarian society where ''Big Brother ( Is Watching)'' was titled ''1984'', however how long will it be before we in the U.S. and Emporia are forced to live in a totalitarian society, are we having less and less freedoms each and every day ? I wonder !
Posted by jberlin (Joey Berlin) on July 9, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Having written the story, I would like to respond to a couple of the comments made above by blackroses_ducki3.
At no time did Mr. Bailes go "off the record" or ask me not to print anything he said in our conversation. If he desired that a quote not be available for use in the story, he would've had to clear that with me before actually saying it.
Our conversation lasted around half an hour, and of course it's impossible to include everything that was said. I feel the quotes that were used were accurate reflections of the interview, and of Mr. Bailes' viewpoint and message.
-Joey Berlin
Posted by emporiablogger (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
blackroses_ducki3 - you surely didn't believe that the gazette reporter would be accurate in his reporting or more importantly, care if one's taken out of context. Their job is to sale sensationalism, persuade public opinion and make money. Honesty is not what they sale. It's also important that you understand that most people believe what they read in the Gazette, having never being exposed to their falsehoods and misrepresentation of the facts, and that's what keeps the Gazette in business.
Posted by jennienbj (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Bailes, I will sign your petition. I have seen you many times with your dogs, before the ordinace went into effect. Your dogs have never jumped out after anyone, that I have seen. I walk my dogs and when you pass me your dogs would just look, not come after us. It is ridiculous that this law is in effect when I see so many people put their children in their cars, under the age of 3, without a car seat or booster seat. They are paying for their insurance and they will put their kids in the car and the kids are standing up, I am thinking if I was their insurance agent I would teach them what a carseat is. I see on a daily basis 15 to 20 cars run red lights and the cops are no where to be seen, but if you have a dog in the back of your truck, beware you might get a ticket. Seriously, lets find some other things to ticket on.
Posted by esuhornets (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Mr. Joey Berlin is taking things a little personal. HAHA I guess we know that the Gazette writers read the forum. We should be able to question them on here and have them give us answers.
Posted by lildarling (anonymous) on July 9, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm anxiously awaiting watching the dog drama play out on the ABC nightly news. I'm so glad that people are going to equate Emporia with this redneck debacle.
If the city is using this ordinance to make money, Rex could have been ticketed as early as January 1. I see him a couple of times a week with the dogs teetering in the back of his truck.
Also blackroses, it is ridiculous to think that the Gazette would include an email written by a sixteen year old. If Rex wanted to use the email, it should have been submitted to the Gazette as a letter to the editor. Furthermore, if he didn't want something to be quoted in the newspaper, it would be a good idea not to say it to a reporter.
Posted by Christym (anonymous) on July 10, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Insanity. This whole thing is just insane! A ticket for letting your dog ride in the back of your truck. What about all the cats that roam the city freely? We have several that use my flower beds as a toilet, and a couple of LOVELY males that mark MY FRONT DOOR on a daily basis. We called the animal control and they set up some humane live traps. We caught the one who had been marking my front door and took it to the pound. The people there acted like they knew who it belonged to and 2 days later it was back Peeing on my door! But by all means, lets make sure no one carries there own pets in the bed of there truck. For cryin out loud
Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on July 10, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Time to move the discussion, folks:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/ope...