having off-leash rights for dogs is a huge part of why I chose to move myself and my dog to New York City. So many people responsibly take advantage of the off-leash mornings and evenings in the designated parks; it's clear that this privilege is highly valued by NYC residents. Such an important right should not be arbitrarily withdrawn from the people and dogs who depend on their use of the city's park land resources for their enjoyment and exercise.
Allowing dogs off leash is important for dog's development and growth. Dogs need to run and play with each other which being on leash does not allow this.
because it's important for dogs and humans know how to behave around each other. It is also important that children are afforded an opportunity to see and play with very friendly animals. So often children are taught to be fearful of dogs, however in a park environment children and dogs off leash can relax and interact with each other. and with the help of adults kids learn limits when around an animal that they don't know. and how to approach that animal. I think this makes for a very healthy environment all round (except of corse for the few who just don't like dogs!).
because my tax dollars and my private donations support the city's parks for the benefit of everyone in the city, particularly my dogs (and their friends) who are my kids.
To run free off leash is a vital part of the life of a dog, especially city dogs. They need this activity for mental & physical stimulation. NYC animal lovers are begging you not to take it away.
It is important to encourage responsible dog ownership and to give our four-legged the opportunity to exercise. Responsible dog owners are a positive addition to our parks and our city.
As president of NYCdog.org, I strongly support off-leash rights. Responsible dog owners contribute to the parks and our neighborhoods. In areas where off-leash is inappropriate, the construction of dog parks within parks should be a priority.
there are many different park users and dogs and dog owners are legitimate constituents that for the most part contribute to the well-being of the park. We have achieved this workable compromise called 9-9 that have been working albeit not perfectly (what's perfect in life? Name one.). Given the sheer number of the dog-owning population, too, the total ban simply will not work and therefore it does not make sense.
our dog is part of our family and we want to give her a the best care - aprt of which is regular and responsible exercise and play with other dogs. As responsible dog caretakers this law would restrict our ability to give Clara a full life. As long as we are responsible there is NO reason we should have this restiction put in place.
I support this petition because it’s the right thing to do. Off-leash dogs in parks after 9:00pm offer increased safety and well being to park users. During those hours they don’t interfere in any substantive way with anyone else. Dogs offer emotional and psychological support to the people they’re with and, in fact, encourage them to use parks they would otherwise not access. Cyclists, roller bladders, graffiti defacers, et al abound; responsible people with pets must be afforded no less than equal use of public land.
having dogs (and people!) in the park after hours promotes a far safer park with decreased muggings, drug deals/use and also brings members of the neighborhood together which has a dramatic improvement in the quality of life in the whole neighborhood.
I support this because it contributes to the well-being of my beautiful pets, and to me also when we can play together. It is sort of the same thing that happens when children go to the playground and have fun with their peers & parents. Why take this pleasure away after 20 yrs to satisfy the illogical arguments of one small group in this large & wonderful city. Please try to recognize the incredible bond betw pets and their families.
It's unreasonable to deprive any dog of daily vigorous exercise, particularly when they currently only have this opportunity during a small window of hours.
off-leash hours allow responsible dog owners to give their dogs the much needed opportunity for exercise and play. Most people in NYC do not have places other than public parks where dogs can be off the leash.
it is natural for dogs to run untethered as well as beneficial & healthy for their owners. It would be unfair to criminalize the whole dog owning NYC community because of a few rare incidents. It's also pretty fascist and rigid to have absolutely no off leash time in NYC.
I support this petition becuase the off leash rules have worked for the past twenty years. My dog needs the exercise she gets running off leash; she does not get the same amount of exercise in a dog park.
off-leash hours at parks provides for important forms of recreation for both the people and the dogs of NYC. The small dog runs of the city are great, but do not provide the space many people and dogs need to enjoy get exercise and socialize. I pay NYC taxes, I vote in local elections, and I chose to live by a park almost entirely because of the off-leash hours policy.
because I am New York City taxpayer who takes full responsibility of my dog who enjoys his off-leash time and for whom I look after very carefully so he plays safely and happily with other dogs.
as it has been proven, most dog attacks occur due to lack of socialization, not only with people but with other dogs. Dogs (and other pets) enhance our lives. And don't NYers need any help to reduce stress? In return, we should be able to provide them with the joy of running off-leash.
Dogs make living in the city a much more pleasant and healthy experience. denying dogs the right to exercise is not a realistic option. I strongly support this petition and can not believe anyone would try to enact a CITY WIDE ban! Ridiculous
I wholly support this petition because healthy dogs are a vital part of the fabric of NYC and they deserve the meager "privilege" of exercising offleash at these off peak hours in New York's scant parks.
Dogs are an essential and very important part of our city's character. Dogs provide an indispensable benefit to millions f city residents and not just dog-owners. The off-leash-time regulation is a necessary tradition for city-dog health. Its benefits FAR outweigh any ill-conceived desire for further restriction.
