Boise dog owners will have the chance to talk with city representatives beginning today at Morris Hill Park. Boise Parks and Recreation – along with the Boise Police Department and Animal Control – will be visiting 10 off-leash areas for dogs. In the past, unleashed dogs have been a contentious issue in the city.
Jerry Pugh is the community programs coordinator for Boise Parks and Recreation. He says communicating with dog owners is key. He hopes the meetings will educate people on the rules so they can avoid fines. He says after court fees, the typical fine for having your dog illegally off-leash is $75.
“You know we have folks out there [who] are complaining that some of the rules aren’t being followed, we have others who’re saying everything’s going great," says Pugh. "It just depends on who you talk to and how they’re perceiving issues. There’s nothing specific that’s driving this, other than the fact that we just felt we wanted to get out there and interact with some folks.”
Pugh says the 10 meetings will go through early June, and give people a chance to ask questions or give feedback while out with their dogs. He says the city is continuing a conversation that has been going for awhile through neighborhood meetings and surveys.
Of the 10 locations, Morris Hill Park, Sterling Park, Pine Grove Park, and the Military Reserve flood basin are all-day unleashed sites. The other six have regulated hours to run dogs.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio
