I want you to imagine that you're taking the kids for a walk around your neighborhood; just as you start heading down your block, you notice someone walking toward you with a dog...but the dog is not on a leash. What do you do?

Chances are you probably slow down the pace, pull your kids close and hope that the dog is really friendly; after all, the owner wouldn't be walking them without a leash if he or she wasn't. Right?

Unfortunately, you just never know; which is why Alderman John Beck has presented a new ordinance that would prevent dogs from running around without a leash

WIFR says taking your dog for a walk without a leash or leaving your pet outside for an extended period of time could soon cost you up to $300 if you're ticketed.

Bonus Video

Catch Mandy James on “The Steve Shannon Show with Mandy James” on 97 ZOK from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on TwitterInstagram and Facebook.

More From Rockford's New Country Q98.5