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The Parks Department has finally formalized rules for allowing pets off-leash in city parks, following a revision of the health code by the Health Dept. to allow free-roaming dogs and a decision from a judge ruling that off-leash dogs were okay. A press release from the Parks Department announcing the change in policy outlined the allowable hours and locations dogs could be unclipped to roam. It also outlines requirements for pet owners to keep their dogs in compliance with the new rules when the policy goes into effect 30 days from today.
Today, the Parks Department announced a change in the rules concerning off-leash dogs in parks. Thirty days from now, the successful “courtesy hours” policy will officially become part of Parks’ rules and regulations. With proof of a current rabies vaccination and license information, owners can allow dogs to run off-leash in certain designated areas from the time the park opens until 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. until the park closes...Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said, "Through a public process, the Parks Department codified the successful, long-standing 'courtesy hours' policy for the benefit of all New Yorkers. We know that a tired dog is a good dog and for the last two decades, this policy has made parks safer and has allowed dog owners to exercise and socialize their pets.”...Beginning May 10, parks will be grouped into four designated categories: 1) No dogs allowed; 2) Dogs must be on-leash at all times; 3) Designated dog run; and 4) Designated off-leash area.
The amended rule will also require all dogs in parks to be licensed and that owners be able to show proof that they have been vaccinated against rabies, as required by New York State and City law.
The full set of regulations can be found at the Parks Department site here, along with the list of designated areas where off-leash hours will be observed (for instances, ballfields, playgrounds, zoos, etc. are out).
(Photo of dogs on a leash by dogseat at flickr)
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"the list of designated areas where off-leash hours will be observed (for instances, ballfields, playgrounds, zoos, etc. are out)."
People won't observe those. Dog owners have an infamous sense of entitlement. New Yorkers have an even bigger sense of entitlement. The combination is incredible. I've seen people blithely walk past a cemetery sign that says "Absolutely no pets" with five dogs in tow.
Visit NYCoffleash.com for complete details of this historic victory.
The successful 20-year limited Off-leash Hours policy is now codified into Health and Parks Departments' regulations and and has been declared perfectly legal by the NYS Supreme Court. Their Voice of Reason has spoken with finality in this matter.
Off-leash recreation (both off-leash areas in parks and dog runs) have brought New York City a historic low rate of dog bites despite a record high number of dogs. Parks are safer. Dogs are better socialized with each other and people.
Congratulations to the people of the City of New York. It's policies like this one that have helped make NYC a more livable place for everyone.
Im sure all you dog owners will keep good track of where your dog shits while they are running off leash and clean it up(no chance) the first time I step in shit I will calmly sit down next to you and piss on your uggs
Woo hoo! Seems like we're finally not just "outlaws", we have some real rules. Which will hopefully translate into better enforcement.
As a dog owner I don't like poop being left anywhere or dogs being in places they shouldn't be any more than non-dog owners or dog haters. We have to share this city and we need to do it respectfully.
As far as dog owners having an infinte sense of entitlement, well Mr. Brightliner it seems non-dog owners have this as well. We share the burden of the taxes and we should share the benefit of having a park.
I'm down at my park monthly keeping it clean and I volunteer for other efforts to make the park a great place for all of us, not just my damn dogs. I encourage you, if you don't already, to do the same. Make the dog owners follow the rules, speak up and get involved. We share the benefits, we should share the burdens as well.
Why the nastiness folks? Why the hostility? This really isn't a ground-breaking shift, it's just now clear for everyone to read after 20 years of successful experience.
The City has spoken, loud and clear. Off-leash is good public policy.
The Health Department thinks so, the Parks Department thinks so, and by any measure of public opinion (polls, comments submitted during the rule amending process), New Yorkers think so too.
Congratulations to the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who responsibly enjoy off-leash recreation with their dogs everyday.
Hopefully the new rules promote greater compliance and responsible dog ownership to the benefit of all park users.
Thanks everyone, it's been fun.
Who do I sue exactly when some thug's rottweiller appears out of nowhere and snaps my small dogs neck?
Anybody else think these overly-entitled dog owners need to get attacked by some unleashed 85 lb. pitbulls real soon? I sure do.
Thanks to the parks department for turning public greenspace into massive toilets for private pets. I'll be bringing Reggie, my ill-tempered ex-fighting dog to every park in the city overrun by yuppies 30 days from now...
Hurray for this sensible dog policy. I cant help wondering what makes the anti-dog folks so bitter. In Prospect Park, where hundreds of people bring their dogs to the park on weekend mornings, dog owners are "religous" about following the rules. By 9:15am, everyone has cleared out with their dogs. Everyone picks up their poop. You won't find a single pile in the park after we leave. We police ourselves as well.
I applaud the policy. Hopefully it will end the debate.
NYCDOG CHEERS TOTAL VICTORY !!!
Parks Dep’t Strengthens and Clarifies Off-Leash Policy
What: PARKS DEPARTMENT FORMALLY ADOPTS AMENDED OFF-LEASH POLICY
When: TUESDAY, APRIL 10TH - THE POLICY BECOMES EFFECTIVE MAY 10TH
Where: PARKS CITYWIDE
The clarified Parks Dep’t Off-Leash Policy will become effective 5/10/07. It will:
• Promote greater compliance and responsible dog ownership
• Promote awareness of limited times - 9 pm until parks close, when they re-open until 9 am
• Promote awareness of designated locations - through signage, web site, and awareness
• Continue this reasonable accommodation – it allows all park users to enjoy parks
• Be good for public health -very low bite #s - only 55 in parks in ‘06 despite record # of dogs
• Be good for canine health - socializing & exercising = well adapted dogs
• Be cost effective - not enough space or money to build dog runs for 1.4 million dogs
• Make parks safer - many watchful dog owners during off-peak times are crime deterrent
BACKGROUND: A small Queens-based group misguidedly sued NYC about the City’s off-leash policy. NYS Supreme Court Judge Peter Kelly ruled on 11/30/06 that the Parks Commissioner has the authority to permit dogs off-leash in City parks, and that off-leash opponents “exhibit a fundamental misunderstanding of the ‘laws’ at issue.” He also called upon Parks and Health to clarify their own regulations.
BOARD OF HEALTH: On 12/5/06, the Board of Health (BOH) voted to amend Article 161.05 of the Health Code, which clarified and codifies the limited off-leash policy. The changes call for dog-owners to provide proof of their dog’s current rabies vaccination on their dog’s collar. The BOH also calls on the Parks Dep’t to adopt rules promoting awareness of dog vaccination and licensure requirements, and the specific locations where, and limited times when, dogs may be off-leash. Lastly, in the event that a large outbreak of rabies or a spike in dog related bites occurs, the Health Dep’t can limit or eliminate off-leash activity in such an area.
PARKS DEP’T AMENDMENTS: The Parks Dep’t adopted amendments to Sections 1-04 (i) and 1-05(s)(3) of Title 56 of the RCNY. These amendments expressly codify times (9 pm until parks close / when they re-open until 9 am) and park places (never in a playground, zoo, bathing facility, beach, pool, bridle path, fountain, ballfield, basketball or tennis court, or other prohibited areas) where dogs are permitted off-leash. As a condition to being off-leash, dogs must wear NYC license and rabies vaccination tags. Moreover, off-leash dogs must not disturb, harass, or injure any park patron, animal, or flora. Lastly, owners must leash dogs when directed by police, health, or PEP officers.
BITES ARE DOWN DRAMATICALLY: DOHMH statistics show that prior to the off-leash policy, the annual number of dog-bites Citywide exceeded 40,000. In 2006, City animal bites dropped to less than 4,000, of which only 55, or 1.6%, occurred in parks. These numbers include on and off-leash dogs, and other animals.
OFF-LEASH EXERCISE AND SOCIALIZATION: Always leashing dogs contradicts peer reviewed studies from reputable animal behaviorists, major veterinary schools, and reports from the CDC, which all conclusively illustrate that dogs exercised and socialized off-leash are less aggressive towards people and other dogs, and more acclimated toward urban living. Running with a dog on-leash, which is difficult for the elderly and disabled, is no substitute for the benefits of playing fetch or socializing with other dogs off-leash.
RESPONSIBLE DOG-OWNERS: Dog owners use peer pressure to ensure that people pick up waste, comply with the law, vaccinate, license and train their dogs. They never condone bad behavior. They are also parents, athletes, and bird-watchers, and want to see parks safely and responsibly enjoyed by everyone.
FEW DOG RUNS: The City has 1,700 parks, but only 48 dog runs for 1.4 million City dogs.
FOR OFFICIAL NYC PARKS AND RECREATIONS INFORMATION PLEASE GO TO:
nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/facilities/images/notice%20of%20adoption%20_4_%5b2%5d.pd
nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/press_releases/press_releases.php?id=19877
Matthew Greller, attorney for NYCdog said: “The off-leash battle is over, and all New Yorkers won. The off-leash policy is now stronger and clearer, and continues to provide a sensible and limited accommodation for everyone to safely enjoy New York’s limited park space. The newly clarified off-leash policy will promote even greater compliance and responsible dog ownership.”
Bob Marino, President of NYCdog, stated, “Fully clarifying the off-leash issue is a victory for everyone - dog owners and non dog owners – who enjoy City parks. We now have finality on this issue. I applaud the Parks Department for their efforts, and for their open and democratic process. This is the third act in this long process. NYCdog is elated that the Parks Department put this issue to rest, and we look forward to assisting with the implementation of this strengthened policy.”
Matthew H. Parker, President of Friends of Hillside Dog Park said, "Today's decision to clearly codify a 20 year old policy is the culmination of an 11-month effort that produced three huge wins. NYCdog is three for three in the fight to preserve and strengthen the off-leash policy. We accomplished these wins through the help of tens of thousands of everyday New Yorkers who volunteered to write letters, speak at the hearings, and submit signatures of their support. As the recognized umbrella organization of almost every off-leash user-group in the City, NYCdog looks forward to working with the Parks Dep’t to make the newly codified policy even more successful."
Terri Sullivan, President of the Juniper Valley Dog Owners Association said, “Today’s action by the Parks Dep’t is a confirmation that this twenty year policy is a success. Clearly, the Juniper Park Civic Association miscalculated in their attempt to overturn this successful policy. After losing three times – in court, at the Health Department, and now at the Parks Department, it’s time for the folks at Juniper Park to work with NYCdog to ensure that this policy is successful for everyone.”
Yes, Ben, it should end the debate. After all, the NYS Supreme Court ruled the policy legal in November, the Health Board unanimously amended the Leash Law to permit the policy in December, and the policy has shown itself to have broad popular support (at the Health Hearing, there were over 13,400 comments in favor and only 202 (1.5%) against).
However, the fringe (1.5%) anti-offleash crusaders will never admit defeat, no matter how many times they are defeated. Fortunately, it's because of their selfishness, meanspiritedness and lack of reason, that their lawsuit backfired and now the 20-year previously unwritten policy has now been declared a) legal, b) good public health policy, c) overwhelmingly popular, d) codified Parks policy.
Thanks y'all! See you in the park!
madambomb-
"We share the burden of the taxes and we should share the benefit of having a park"
we do. you and I both get to enjoy the park. My wife has a fear of dogs, I dont know why but she is nearly paralyzed with fear when dogs are close to her(not just big ones either). with a 6 foot leash she can walk far out of the way and avoid them now she cannot. she pays taxes to enjoy the park
when was the last time your dog paid taxes.
what a joke. Dogs roaming around off leash. Its so obviously wrong. My geuss, about two or three month before the city is sued and the rules are changed.
Cant blame the dog for biting the rollerblader or that running child. Its just a dog, doing what a dog does best; chasing things, grabbing hold and taking them down. And now its not the owners fault either. The city has given it blessing to dogs and they'll pay for it.
BTW, i have a 100 pd Choc. lab that i care about more then anything and is generally friendly, but i don't let him go take walks alone!
Hey Jo:
I have a fear of being tackled by a large football players and from speeding cyclists in the park (I was struck by a cyclist in the park several years ago).
So I don't go near a football game while it's going on, and I avoid the cycle track.
The concept behind the off-leash hours is respectful sharing of park resources. There are designated off-leash areas, and designated times (from when a park opens until 9am and after 9pm until that park closes).
The hundreds of taxpayers who recreate with their dogs off-leash every day in each park must leash up after 9am.
Your wife can either a) avoid the designated off-leash areas during the off-leash hours and still enjoy the park, or b) choose to use the parks after 9am and before 9pm.
This policy has been going on in many parks for over 20 years. Nothing will change on May 10th, only hopefully stricter enforcement of the rules now that they are finally codified.
I was once walking in my industrial neighborhood, when I startled an unleashed pit bull as I turned a corner. I started to back off, he backed off. And then he changed his mind. He put his ears back flat, bared his teeth, and started to come for me. Then I heard a whistle. His owner had come in sight, and called the dog off.
Doubtless, there are many dog owners here who will see that as a wonderful success, and an argument as to why it's a great idea to allow dogs off leash.
For me, it was the first time I found myself the least bit regretful that I couldn't get a carry permit for a gun in NYC. I can't imagine how parents who have kids will respond to this news.
I have a fear of being tackled by a large football players(TAXPAYER) and from speeding cyclists(TAXPAYERS) in the park (I was struck by a cyclist in the park several years ago).
So I don't go near a football game while it's going on, and I avoid the cycle track.
again what does your dog pay?
Put in a dog tax and we will talk. By the way I also think people with children should pay MORE taxes not get breaks. So mommy and daddy hate me too. IF that is a big if people were respectfull and not self centered this includes moms, dads, dog owners, cyclists,drivers, you and I and everyone else this would not create a problem. Instead you people say nya nya and create more ill will
Dear Anonymous #14:
You could start by asking the 13,400+ people who supported the Off-leash Hours policy at the Health Board hearing back in November [vs the 202 (1.5%) against, or the 20,000+ in favor at the February Parks hearing. Many of these people are parents.
Before off-leash recreation, there used to be over 40,000 dog bites each year in NYC. Last year there were less than 4,000 (over a 90% decline), of those less than 60 were in one of the 1,700 NYC Parks. Of those 60 over half were ON LEASH. There is such a thing call leash aggression. Google it.
Do you think parents wish to see 90% more dog bites, or a continuation of the record low we now enjoy?
Dogs have been off-leash in many NYC parks getting proper socialization with other dogs and humans and much needed exercise every day for the past 20 years. The only difference is now, it's codified and hopefully with greater education, and enforcement. Despite what the anti-offleash alarmists want you to believe, the sky is not falling.
The proposed regs don't line up with the statements on the Parks Dept website. The regs say 9 am to 9 pm, the website limits that by the closing and opening times of the parks (which aren't listed as part of the information for each park - I guess if it's not there, there is no open and close time?).
Dog owners need to get a damn grip.
I'm with #14, because I have been attacked by unleashed dogs a couple of times in the past, and it was no picnic, I assure you.
I wonder how many accessory dog-wielding supporters of this bill can say the same?
The 34,000+ entitled dog owners need to remember that they live in a city of over 8,000,000 people. we don't love your pets as much as you do.
anyone have the names of lawyers that specialize in these torts against the city , i want their number in my cellphone,
To #19:
The phone number is 800-Get-A-Life.
This is how it goes: Under no circumstances should your dog approach me in the park. I don't want a complete stranger greeting me with a sniff, and that DOES include your dog. It's your job to train your dog...so do it.
Secondly, if your dog bites me or jumps on me, I will punch you in your face. No questions asked.
Dear Anonymous #21:
You're a big macho man! Yes you are! I'm so glad you laid down the law so we can all follow it.
Better yet, we'll choose to follow the law laid down by the NYS Supreme Court, the Health Board and the Parks Department, allowing dogs to be off-leash in certain parks, in certain areas and at certain times.
Oh, and regarding your little threat, Mr. Anonymous Big Man, if you could possible manage to connect your fist with my face, you'd better have a good deal of distance between you and I, otherwise you'll find yourself laying in a Hurt Locker.
22, I am an anonymous WOMAN, thanks very much. I love dogs, don't get me wrong. At the same time, I do not trust unfamiliar dogs who approach me. I saw a friend get bit once by a dog who ran up to her. So, like I said, train your dogs well and there isn't a problem. I will punch you in your face. How about a taser, does that sound better?
If you don't wish to be exposed to off-leash dogs, avoid the designated areas in designated parks and at designated times. Obey the law.
BTW, make sure that taser is well charged. You wouldn't want me getting up.
Another suggestion (thankfully, this represents a small subset of dog owners), try keeping your dog within a couple feet of your side when you are walking down the street. You don't get to take up the entire sidewalk.
Jo-
When was the last time your child paid taxes? I'm not planning on procreating, but I do like caring for a living thing and sharing that experience with my friends and neighbors. I don't get a tax deduction for it, in fact, I spend hundreds of dollars a year feeding and taking care of my companion animal. Call me crazy, I don't care. It's a primal relationship that goes back thousands of years and it isn't going to be legislated away.
I'm sorry your wife has fear of dogs. It's not easy to have an irrational fear, we all have them. However, let her know that she can walk peacefully in any park from 9am until 9pm any day without fear. If she sees a dog off-leash at any other time, tell her to report it to a Parks Enforcement officer.
Good luck to you.