Answer Man: 'Wolf dog' at park a hazard? I-26 potholes?

Today’s batch of burning questions, my smart-aleck answers and the real deal:

Question: I moved to Asheville six months ago. I’ve taken my 1-year old dog to the dog park in West Asheville three times. On two of those occasions an individual brought an animal that was clearly either a wolf or a wolf hybrid. This animal was easily two to three times the size of any of the dogs. Unlike the dogs who were busily playing with each other, this animal did not engage in any play activity. While this animal may have been “tamed," he is clearly a wild animal and is intimidating to dogs and humans alike. My question: What are the rules regarding animals permitted at this park, and who is responsible for enforcement?

My answer: But you've got to admit these hybrid wolves get great gas mileage.

Real answer: The moral here is to not immediately go running to the wolf dog assumption.

Christina Hallingse, spokeswoman for the Asheville Police Department, said the department's Animal Services Division is familiar with the dog in question.

"The dog, an older part Alaskan Malamute (which can resemble a wolf, but is a larger husky type breed), has never been reported to bark, growl or chase other dogs," Hallingse said. "This dog is current on its rabies vaccinations. There is no violation for a dog not engaging with other dogs or animals."

SEE ALSO: Answer Man: Dog park a muddy mess? Old Fort sign confusion?

Hallingse noted that In North Carolina the rabies vaccine is not legally recognized in any wolf hybrid.

"Therefore the city of Asheville bans the owning/bringing of a wolf hybrid into the city due to a public health/safety threat," she said.

SEE ALSO: Answer Man: Why no leash law for cats? McDowell paving?

Regarding the rules of the dog parks, Hallingse said the city has these guidelines:

• There are separate areas for small and large dogs, and dog owners should have their dogs remain in the appropriate area.

• Always keep your dog leashed outside of the dog park fence.

• Owners must discard of their dogs' waste.

• Dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations and have their rabies vaccination tag visible on their collars.

• If the owner and dog reside within the city of Asheville, the dog must display a city license (bought through Petdata.com for $10/year, fee helps maintain the dog parks).

• Female dogs in heat are prohibited.

"We ask that owners watch their dogs at all times," Hallingse said. "If the dog is displaying aggressive behavior, we encourage removing your dog from the park. If there are additional questions, anyone can contact our Animal Services Division at 828-252-1110."

Question: I wrote to you several months ago about I-26 and the poor resurfacing job south of Airport Road. At the time you responded that it might be some time before you hear from the DOT. I traveled it recently and saw multiple potholes forming going south (actually east). Most were south of the rest stop near Airport Road, but some continued to pop up periodically. Upon returning to South Asheville I noticed some going north (actually west). I would be interested if you ever heard back from the DOT, and are they aware of this recent development?

My answer: They are, and they have agreed to rename 26 in this area as "I-26 Actually South" and "I-26 Actually North." It's kind of like "Future I-26" north, er west, of downtown. 

SEE ALSO: Answer Man: Dogs unwelcome at Asheville festivals? Rough pavement on I-26?

Real answer: Roger Ayers, Henderson County maintenance engineer with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, took this one.

"There are some small areas that have peeled up — about five-eights of an inch to three-quarters of an inch — in this area of I-26, but I saw only one of concern," Ayers said. "Depending on weather, we will fill these areas and do so at night to limit the impacts to traffic."

This is the opinion of John Boyle. Contact him at 828-232-5847 or jboyle@citizentimes.com