Changes to dog ordinance a mixed bag Changes to dog ordinance a mixed bag (March 18, 2005)

Dog owners gaining new freedoms - and new restrictions

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved proposed changes to the city's dog ordinance March 14, which will go on to the City Council. The changes would restrict dogs from being on the caged soccer fields at Val Vista Community Park and increase the allowable length of extendable leashes.

The commission requested that the proposal be amended to include a definition of domestic animals and to specify that dogs still must be leashed on trails in the city, excluding the underdeveloped areas of Augustin Bernal Park, before it is presented to the City Council. The commission approved the proposal by a vote of 4 to 1 with Commissioner Jerry Pentin as the dissenting vote.

Since the opening of Val Vista Community Park in May, there has been concern that allowing dogs on the sand-based fields will ruin them, said Jim Wolfe, director of Parks and Community Services. By barring dogs from the fields, commissioners hope to maintain the field's quality and protect the financial investment.

While looking into making that change, it was discovered that the municipal code was never amended to allow dogs off-leash at the dog exercise area of Muirwood park, a small oversight that is also being rectified.

In addition, the Animal Services Division said allowing dogs to be on extended leashes has been a success in limiting incidents involving off-leash dogs. It is recommended that the limit of the length increase from 6 feet to 30 feet.

The commission asked to add a definition of domestic animals to the ordinance in order to complement its definitions of other animal groups, such as wild animals and horses.

The proposal will go before the City Council after City Attorney Michael Roush provides the new definition, said Wolfe. -Rebecca Guyon

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