Dear Neighbors, I have some bad news to report on the dog front. Over the weekend, a resident of Rumson Road was attacked in his own yard by his neighbor's dog, which appears to be a pit bull mix. I don't have a lot of details about the incident, but from talking to neighbors my understanding is that the victim (an adult male) was attacked when the dog broke through a fence. The man was reportedly treated at the scene by EMS, and RPD and Animal Control also responded. This represents a frightening escalation in what was already a serious problem with dangerous animals running loose in our neighborhood. Rumson Road is where a St. Bernard repeatedly broke out of its yard and attacked five other dogs, injuring at least two of them quite seriously. This is right around the corner from Millbank Street, where a pit bull that has repeatedly broken out of its yard broke into our yard last month, tried to attack my husband and injured one of our dogs. But I also have some good news: At the last East CAC meeting, I announced the launch of an effort to examine Raleigh's existing animal ordinances and to request changes through the citizen petition process. We'll be sending out a separate announcement about that effort soon, and I encourage everyone interested to get involved and to spread the word among your neighbors who might not be on this list or attend CAC meetings. Also, The News & Observer is working on a story about the dog situation that's set to run next week. The reporter -- Chelsea Kellner with the North Raleigh/Midtown section -- invites any residents with a story to share to get in touch with her. You can reach Chelsea at ckellner(a)newsobserver.comor 919-829-4802. All the best, Sue Sturgis Cell: 919-841-3058