Off leash rights are benficial to both the dogs, their owners, and other users of our parks. We are responsible owners, only well behaved dogs are trusted to run free, and we serve as a civil and protective presence in our public parks at night and early in the morning. This is very large city, and is it only fair to share her resources.
I support this petition wholeheartedly because the off-leash time in the parks is one of the few ways to escape the rigors of city life, with its ever-present restrictions; without the off-leash laws, I believe I would leave the city, as would so many others (and some 50% of people have dogs in Manhattan), as we have to have some small window of being able to run free. I have never had a problem with an off-leash dogs; owners know when their dogs need to be leashed. Please keep this intact for the good of the parks and of the city.
I support this petition because dogs and their owners are a vital part of the city's park life, one of the few genuine places of civil society formation and community responsibility. The off-leash policy is good for dogs, good for humans, and good for learning how to engage in public interaction and responsibility. We need MORE public-regarding activities in New York, not fewer.
I support this petition because of the great joy I receive from mine and other dogs runaround freely. We take great pride in being responsible. The park is safer when we are there.
because the off-leash policy dramatically increases our quality of life. Not only does it make city living feel a little more open and free, but it keeps the park more populated -- and therefore, safer -- during its off-peak hours.
Responsible dog owners are not the problem here, and irresponsible dog owners will make problems in parks and elsewhere regardless of leash laws. Prospect Park is an essential resource for off-leash hours and dog socialization.
I would much rather have a dog park at Juniper Par in Middle Vilalge than allowing my dog to run off-leash, but since it is bitterly being fought by a few selfish people, at least let us continue to enjoy playing with our dogs off leash.
I support this petition because allowing dogs off-leash time is essential to their well-being and as a result, their owners' well-being also. I firmly believe that the socializing that takes place among dogs when they are off-leash decreases their potential aggressiveness toward other dogs and decreases the likelihood of adverse incidents.
Those of us who are loving and responsible pet owners are not the probem - our lab bebefits immensely from her time at the Hillside Dog Run and Prospect Park - and we all benefit by the great community created when our dogs interact and play.
There is no benefit to a dog to be leashed at all times, when they need proper excercise. It is often hard to accomplish this on a leash! How do you play fetch and frisbee with your dog?
Life in the city is hard enough...don't take away the simple pleasure of watching your dog run around freely. Punish those who are irresponsible with their dog...not those who take great pride in being responsible.
The whole idea that somehow these two hours are impringing on anybody elses rights is ludicrous.
Phobias of pets should not force unreasonable laws on everybody.
because the masses shouldn't be penalized because of a few abusers. Irregardless of leash status, people must pick up after their dogs. Punish the abusers - not everyone! Dogs need a place to get proper exercise. Certain breeds require off-lead exercise - you shouldn't force these people who wish to own these breeds out of the city!
Dog walkers are some of the best folks in the community. They keep our streets safe by providing "eyes on the street". We need to support them to keep them in our communities.
As a dog owner who responsibly adhears to not only the time constraints set forth by the off-leash courtesy but also the distance from runs rules, it is very sad to hear that there are people who are trying to stop this one act of kindness we can give our dogs in this city.
Irregardless of the off-leash courtesy, it is owners' responsibility to pick up after their dogs control their behavior and keep them healthy and happy. I have witnessed hundreds of instances where LEASHED dogs' feces aren't properly disposed of. There are complaints that unleashed dogs "attack" but again there are hundreds of times more I have myself been "attacked" by LEASHED dogs. It has nothing to do with a long piece of rope or chain – but rather natural, protective instincts of the dog, how the owner manages those natural traits and most importantly owner responsibility and care.
A happy, loving dog isn’t because it is a certain breed, it’s because of a loving home, one that gives lots of exercise, socialization opportunities, healthy diet, and most importantly love.
Don't punish the wrong people! I can't tell you how many times we have gone to the park in the morning and have to clean up from people picnicing. They leave their left over food, garbage and broken bottles all over the place.
The few horseback
riders have miles of bridle paths to ride any time of the day and do not pick up after their horses.
The half-million or more dog owners help keep the parks safe, clean up after their dogs, do not bother anyone else using the parks late at night or early in the morning, i.e.,
existing off-leash
hours. If anything, those hours should be extended an hour each way during winter months. Why
shouldn't the many thousands of dog owners enjoy park privileges as horseback riders do.
i support this petition because dogs should be able to exersize at the same time socialize with other dogs and people.in the end it makes a well balanced dog.
It would be a great loss to all park patrons. If people are not responsible pet owners changing the law is not going to change their behavior. This law would only be punishing those who want to exercise their pooches and are putting in the time and effort to create well socialized, well exercised, well rounded pets.
