I'd like to alert residents of downtown Bayfield that there is a movement afoot to take back our neighborhood from barking dogs and inconsiderate neighbors. This morning (Tuesday, July 22) I was awoken at 12:30 a.m. and again at 5:50 a.m. by my neighbor's dogs, a problem that has been ongoing for years. On Sunday morning (July 20) two days prior, my day started at 5:45 a.m. with the same ridiculous cacophony.

I have discussed the situation with half a dozen or so of my neighbors and fellow property owners. We are distressed that we can no longer take a peaceful stroll through the alleys and streets of downtown Bayfield without being threatened by dogs that repeatedly charge their fence, barking and snarling and wreaking havoc day and night. We have tried to be patient, hoping that a common sense resolution would be forged over time. But alas, the situation seems to be getting worse.

The Bayfield Marshal has advised us to call his office each and every time we have an issue, and I encourage all residents who suffer at the hands of inconsiderate neighbors to do just that. (As the Marshal explained, they can't fix a problem they don't know about.) Should the offending party be a renter, their landlord will be notified of the problem and will ultimately be held accountable for the behavior of their tenant.

The gloves are off - we will not let our neighborhood go to the dogs without a fight.

Kristen Hartzell

Bayfield