Q&A: Keeping a Frightening Dog
Keeping a Frightening Dog
Question
Hello Rabbi. I live in a community in the Binyamin region, at the edge of the community. In order to feel safer, and also so that it really will be safer, we brought in a dog for guarding purposes. The dog is not of a dangerous breed, but it barks a lot and scares children. My dilemma is this: on the one hand, it scares children (who are not supposed to be in any danger at all), and on the other hand, if we get rid of it, we will be afraid. I thought of discussing it from the angle of “your life takes precedence”—that my fear takes precedence over other people’s fear. What does the Rabbi think?
Answer
If the dog is enclosed and does not endanger them, it seems to me that the children will get used to the barking, and there is no need to be so concerned. I assume there are not many random passersby there who would be alarmed and are unfamiliar with the dog.
In principle, in a place where the dog is needed because of danger and you have no other option, the consideration that it frightens people does not override your need. Just put up a clear, large sign stating that there is a dog there and that it is enclosed and not dangerous.