Residents can’t agree on rules for dogs in parks

When residents complained about dogs being off leash in Murrysville parks, creating a stronger law seemed reasonable. But when it came time to put some teeth into it, council found that dog lovers have somebite of their own.

Staff proposed that council require that dogs in all parks be kept on a leash no more than 8 feet long and be kept at least 25 feet from pavilions. Owners would be required to clean up and dispose of waste.

The following exceptions, however, would be made for Brooks Family Dog Park, Townsend Park, Kellerman Reserve and Pleasant Valley Park:

• Dogs would be allowed off leash on park trails.

• Dogs would be required to be within sight and voice control of the owner.

• Dogs would be required to be on a leash in Townsend Park on the weekends.

The recommendations were determined to be too complex to enforce.

“We’ve got a situation in search of a problem. Where are all of these incidents I keep hearing about?” resident Mike Stanovich asked this month.

“I had an incident in the park,” Kendra Remmick told council. “I live right beside Townsend Park. My dog was on a leash and another dog ran at us, with teeth bared. He attacked us. What is to protect my kids in the park?”

Councilman Jeffery Kepler said, “I don’t support leash laws. They don’t work. The problems are created by irresponsible owners. You will still have the same problems with the new law, unlessyou enforce it.”

Chief administrator Jim Morrison said, “The parks are there for all of the people. If you can’t reach a compromise, don’t let dogs into the parks at all.”

Council tabled the proposed recommendations.