Dogs on leashes, Cain Park and Benefits

I am interested in changing our current City ordinance banning dogs from our Public Parks.

505.06 ANIMALS PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC PARKS.

(a) No person shall take, lead or have in his possession any animal in any public park located within the City.

I would like to initiate a pilot program to observe and study the benefits of allowing leashed dogs in Cain Park.

Cleveland Heights has many dog lovers that have expressed a desire to walk their dog through our various public parks.

I believe that allowing people to bring their dog to the park is a net positive. Of course, the dog must be on a leash and the person walking the dog must have a receptacle to clean up after the dog and dispose of it.  

Allowing dogs on leashes into our Parks will create a number of benefits to individuals and the community at large.

 

• It will promote walking and a healthy life style.
• It will encourage families to visit the park more often. 
• It will create more foot traffic in the parks, making them safer.

I am well aware that not everyone will be in favor of permitting leashed dogs into the parks. Concerns I have heard range from “dogs bite” to “people don’t clean up after their dog”. These are valid concerns. But, with thoughtful citizen input, I believe legislation can be crafted to address these concerns.