Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Dogs Welcome On Park Tracks

New Dog Waste Station at Oxford Park
Dogs are now welcome at several Dearborn City Parks, but you may wonder... Why are the No Dogs Allowed signs still up?

On Nov. 26, 2019 a new ordinance  passed by the City Council now allows leashed dogs to walk on tracks in seven City parks: Crowley, Geer, Oxford, Penn-Vassar, Schemansky, Summer-Stephens and Ten Eyck parks.

This allows for owners to walk their 4 legged friends on the tracks at these parks, but only on the track. Dogs are still "not allowed" in other parts of the city parks including public buildings, pavilions, playgrounds, or open fields within the park.

New Dog Waste Stations have been installed in several locations throughout the parks which provide bags for owners to clean up after their dog.  Next to these stations are also posted rules for dogs at the park.

Fines for violating the rules start at $100.
These rules are: 
 
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash not more than six (6) feet in length and kept under the immediate control of the owner or person having custody of the animal. Handler must be person of 16 years or older.
  • Dogs must stay on the track area throughout the park. Dogs are not allowed in public buildings or other park areas.
  • Dog owners/handlers are required to remove and properly dispose of all animal waste immediately.
  • Dog owners/handlers are legally responsible and strictly liable for any damage or injury caused by their dog(s), such as digging, and must fill any holes caused by an accompanied dog.
  • Dog owners/handlers are required to be present and attend to their dog(s) at all times.
  • There is to be no harassment of wildlife, other animals, or other park users.
  • Dogs are required to have a valid, city-issued dog license at all times, and are available to purchase at the City Clerk's Office. (Proof of a rabies vaccination is required to obtain the license.)
  • Individuals failing to comply with posted rules are subject to citation, expulsion, or arrest as well as dog impound as outlined in Ordinance 17-1579.
  • For disruptive animals, dogs lacking the proper tags, etc., please call (313) 943-3030, For an emergency, please call 911.