The number of people hiking is ever increasing, and, as a result, man’s best friend is seeing more trail time as well. Due to this boom in outdoor activity among the domestic, leash laws and land regulation standards are sweeping the state, bringing a cloud of controversy along with it. Off-leash pets are not only dangerous to the population of wildlife on the trails, but they are also causing a problem for fellow hikers and vegetation.

“Dogs must be on a leash” is a common sign at most trailheads. Do you feel triggered by these postings? If you find yourself getting defensive when seeing that statement, you’re probably part of the problem.

Frankly, when it comes down to wilderness areas of national forest and national parks, dogs are required by law to be on a leash or are not allowed in at all. Failure to abide by these laws results in a minimum fine of $80 per offence. If that’s not a good enough incentive to keep Toto on a leash, also understand that Colorado law officials can ticket the owner of any animal chasing wildlife anywhere from $250 to $1,000, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife association. If a dog kills or injures the animal, a civil action can be brought against the owner for the value of the injured wildlife.

Try to keep a level head, this next bit of information will really grind some gears if you love letting your pupper chase his supper. In addition to the fines, Colorado law allows for any dog chasing or harassing wildlife to be shot by a law enforcement officer. If a dog runs into someone’s property, the landowner also has the right to shoot the dog, no questions asked. Having this in mind, ask yourself: “Is risking this dog’s life really not worth the effort of keeping it on a leash?”

Keeping dogs on leash and in control is especially important when venturing in the alpine. The Colorado alpine environment is home to many rare species of plants and animals. The collared pika, a member of the rabbit family, is on the endangered species list along with the Colorado butterfly plant and the Utes Ladies-Tresses. Going off trail and on to vegetation can kill the delicate plants. Another factor to keep in mind is how a dog chasing a pika could impact the pika’s future. These tiny mammals hibernate in the winter season and thus spend all summer and instances without snow collecting grasses and food to store for the long alpine winter. Being chased by an off-leash dog burns precious calories and eats away at the fat reserves pika need so desperately to survive.

The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, an entity of the National Forest Service, spends all summer in the alpine building sustainable trails and educating hikers on the importance of “Leave No Trace” principals and leashing dogs. Much of their work requires the use of heavy tools, such as double jacks and rock bars — tools that can do some damage if handled around an unwitting pup.

“It is the law and you could be ticketed for violating this rule. Off-leash dogs (yes, even yours) harass wildlife, trample off-trail vegetation, and can bother non-dog-loving hikers. In addition, I have seen dogs run right through our work site ahead of their owner, posing a hazard to both dog and crew.” said Steve Hertzfeld, one of CFI’s crew leaders. Steve also points out that not picking up after pets when they poop can ultimately change the chemistry of the soil in the alpine. “If everyone and their dog did their business above treeline, nothing would grow. Our feces and theirs just aren’t compatible with alpine vegetation.”

I bring one last tidbit to argue for keeping pooches on their leashes.

Think about animals associated with mountain environments that aren’t pikas; if you’re thinking bears, mountain lions and moose, you’re on the right track. To these animals a dog will be seen as one of two things: 1. It will be seen as a threat to eliminate 2. It will be seen as a snack. This year in Evergreen alone, there have been six mountain lion attacks, all involving an off-leash dog.

I don’t care if your dog is the “goodest boy in the world,” these laws are here for a reason. Follow them. For your dog’s protection as well as your own, leash up, it only takes a second.

Sarah Seibold lives in Boulder