Council still trying to refine proposed leash law for parks

Townsend Park focus of debate

Murrysville council continues to rein in a proposed law that would require dogs to be on leashes in all municipal parks except on the trails in Townsend and Pleasant Valley parks.

The proposed regulations would require every dog to be on a leash no longer than 8 feet.

With the exception of service dogs, all dogs would be prohibited from being on athletic and playing fields and in play areas and pavilions.

Also, owners would be required to clean up after their dogs.

Revisions to the existing law were triggered by complaints that dogs running off leash are preventing some residents from enjoying the parks because they fear being attacked by dogs.

But dog owners told council at its May 17 meeting how important park outings are to their pets.

“I am speaking for my dog Ollie,” Barbara Sims told council. “Every day, when I spell out P-A-R-K, Ollie gets excited. We take him to Townsend Park specifically to get more exercise. There are very seldom families with children on the trails. It would be sad to change the nature of the park to satisfy a few people.”

Dave Plank also defended the right for dogs to run free. “An ill-tempered man is more of a nuisance than a dog free in the park.

Murrysville has 13 parks with over 1,000 acres. There’s enough room to satisfy everyone,” he said.

Most of those who oppose the leash law have spoken in favor of exempti n g Townsend Park, which has a set of trails frequently used by dog walkers.

The amended law would allow dogs off leash only on the trails in Townsend and Pleasant Valley parks and in Brooks Dog Park.

All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated with tags showing.

In addition, fines would be levied for violators and egregious offenders could face potential banishment.

“I’ve lived here for 52 years,” Councilman Tony Spadaro said. “I’ve got a dog. I put that dog on a leash. I believe all dogs should be on a leash. We have a dog park. If we allow this in Townsend, we’re setting a precedent.”

But Councilman Joshua Lorenz said, “This is about trying to accommodate different uses for different parks. The whole idea is that everyone can use the parks. I think it is a good attempt to give everyone their way.”

Council instructed the staff to bring back another version that contained stiffer penalties, revised times for off-leash activity and added the Pleasant Valley Park trails to the areas exempted from the requirements.