Long Island residents are examining leash laws after a recent string of dog attacks.

A 4-year-old East Meadow boy was nearly mauled to death by three dogs that escaped from their owner?s home last week, and police in Huntington Station were forced to shoot a dog Thursday they say was attacking people. Officials say each township on Long Island has its own leash laws, but stress that no dog should be roaming outside its owner?s property without a leash.

Authorities say police or animal control should be called immediately if a loose animal is seen roaming a neighborhood.