There's no one else in the park - why does it matter if my dog is off-leash?
- The impacts dogs have on park land and the environment occur even when no one else is present in the park
- Dog use has a cumulative effect – impacts occur from your dog, plus all other off-leash dogs
- PP&R hears frequently from other park users who don’t use parks because dogs are off-leash – everyone from parents to cyclists to sports groups to older people
- When dogs are off-leash, even if no one says anything, people do see it and it does keep other people from using the park
- Allowing your dog off-leash also creates the impression for other dog owners that off-leash use is okay, even when it’s not
- On natural area trails and paths, it’s especially important for dogs to be on leash because activity is confined to a narrow trail