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To the relief of dog owners and to the dismay of the Juniper Park Civic Association, Queens Supreme Court Judge Peter J. Kelly ruled that off-leash hours for dogs between 9PM and 9AM are allowed, saying that the Parks Commissioner has the power to allow pups to frolic freely. While the Juniper Park Civic Association called the ruling "complete lunacy," Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said, "Tired dogs are good dogs."
The Juniper Parks Civic Association, concerned about a number of dog attacks, noted that the off-leash hours, implemented by the Parks Department years ago, were actually in violation of the health code and sued to end off-leash hours. Dog owners' groups have argued that off-leash hours are better for dogs, because they can run around when parks are empty.
am New York reports that Kelly did push for a "more specific dog policy, saying the unofficial rules are 'known by few and misunderstood by many.'" The Juniper Park Civic Association says they will appeal the ruling. In the meantime, the Health Department will vote on an amendment to clarify dog policies.
Off-leash resource NYC Off Leash has Kelly's opinion (PDF). In the meantime, get a license for your dog and remember that your dog's leash should be no longer than 6 feet.
Photograph of dogs enjoying the Tompkins Square Park dog run by evilsugar25 on Flickr
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For a complete factual overview of the successful 20-year Offleash Hours policy, visit NYCoffleash.com
You'll also find a complete PDF of NYS Supreme Court Justice Kelly's written ruling in the case.
Schadenfreude undenied.
warming up my bb rifle as we speak. fuckin mongrels - hopefully I can line up a pidgeon or two and save on ammo.
Thanks for posting that picture. Now maybe all the dog owners who french kiss their dogs in public will understand why we cringe.
I'm a dog lover and all, but tongue kissing your dog's anus loving mouth is nasty.
I love dogs.
I do not love owners who don't train..
I can predict the untamed beast leaving dog "deposits" all over the area.
Do you know of anyone selling dog tazer guns so at least I have a chance when I get attacked.
If you're seriously afraid, you can buy citronella "doggie mace" at pet stores. It's what some dog walkers carry.
It does not work on bears, or shrimpdicks who shoot at dogs with bb guns.
Or, get yourself some hot dogs and anti-freeze.
or, Poinsettas, chocolate etc.
it's too easy. I never knew bears were a danger in NYC?
that's actually my dog - wierd. here is her myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/rileyannmarie
Sorry, but few even follow the 9pm to 9 am rule. I walk my dog on a leash and everyday run into people who let their dog off leash. Inevitably their stupid dog runs over and starts bothering my dog. Often times they are friendly, but on occasion my dog has been attacked, and the attacking dogs' owner feels no remorse. Why is it such a big deal to just walk your dog on a leash? What are the dog runs for?
To #9:
The new Health and Parks regulations will take the 20-Year Offleash Hours policy and finally make it a written policy, with signage, increased requirements encouraging responsible dog ownership, and better education of the rules.
Unfortunately, there are only 44 dog runs at present in NYC (some wonderful, others inadequate) to accomodate 1.4 million dogs. That's about 30,000 dogs per dog park. And most New Yorkers don't live within walking distance of a dog park (and most don't have cars to get to one--of course most dogs are not allowed on public transportation). Far more people use the Offleash Hours in parks like Central, Prospect, Marine, Ft. Greene, Stuyvesant, Cadman Plaza, and many others than go to dog runs. In an ideal world there would be enough dog runs, but the land and money required to build enough to be adeqate just won't happen anytime soon.
Those who support responsible dog ownership, strict enforcement of rules, and the education of the dog owning population should cheer the recent Supreme Court and Health Dept decision.
More information can be found at NYCoffleash.com.