East Keswick Civic Association

I agree.  When your dog is under your control – meaning you have him on a leash - he’s less likely to get into something he’s not supposed to. Off leash and romping unfettered through the nature park, he may eat something he’s not supposed to, step in a bee hive, fall into a hole, drink from a polluted puddle of standing water, eat a dead animal. There’s often glass, stray food, or other remnants of late night parties off the path that could be dangerous for Fido. And what happens if he’s roaming free and encounters a wild animal, like a skunk? For your dog’s sake, keep him with you and under your control.

People have the right to walk in a public park without being confronted by loose dogs. In contrast, dog owners do not have the right to let their dogs run loose in the park. There are dog parks locally where dogs can play off leash and there are any number of facilities that have doggie play groups. But just because there are dozens of acres of nature trails available doesn’t mean you get to break the law and let your dog run loose.
I know, I know. Every dog owner thinks their dog is the friendliest, greatest dog in the world, and that everyone else should love their dog the way they do. But as a dog owner, let me let you in on a little secret: I don’t like your dog. In fact, I’m a little afraid of other people’s dogs. And I say that as someone active in the animal rescue community. But I don’t want your strange dog jumping on me, running at me, or otherwise interacting with me without my permission.