Public parks are for the enjoyment of the public we are all the"public". Dog owners account for over a half million people! Animals very much need and deserve a place where they can run & socialize. Happy healthy pets are vital to their community - if a dog is kept on a leash - and not have the chance to be a "dog" we create a neurotic dog which will most certainly cause more serious problems for neighbors (barking, etc.) The majority of pet owners are respectful of the city parks and value the time they can share with their pets - please don't take that away from us. I feel we have a right to enjoy these public spaces as much as anyone else and can do so with respect for each others wishes without denying anyone the right to enjoy a enjoy a day in the park!
because dogs that are allowed to run off their energy are much less likely to be aggresive while on their leash on the city streets. I also feel that the social interaction between dogs and other dogs and people make them less likely to be aggresive. These reasons and more make it an udesirable social decision to take this privilage away from dog owners and especially the dogs themselves.
As a newly transplanted resident to New York I cannot imagine a more fulfilling time than the time spent in the company of my dog and the friends I have made while allowing our dogs the freedom of being off leash. One of the simplest and greatest joys of living here for me on a daily basis is the city's tolerance and understanding of a dog's need to play and interact with other dogs. Revoking the off-leash law would be a huge step backwards in the social development of the dogs it affects and the people who oppose the law in the first place. This doesn't need to happen.
I cannot think of a better way to start each day than walking with my dogs, off leash, throughout the seasons, in spectacular Central Park. As a lifelong resident of Manhattan, I find this to be an enduring and comforting example of our city's humanity and charm, as well as a great gift to our canine friends.
I like the offleash law. I like to take my dog and run around he gets his excercise and he is a healthy dog. All dogs need to run. If you ever own a dog u know they need the excercise and social skills with other dogs. They are less agressive.
Let's not forget...it creates a nice social interaction with people, friends, families and the neighborhoods. Let's still have nicer and gentler world,
I have owned a dog in NYC since 1981 and have enjoyed spending time with all them off-leash in Central Park. It is very beneficial to the dogs. Canines are pack animals and in order to be well adjusted and happy, need time to socialize together without leashes. When dogs are on-leash there job is to protect their owner - not to socialize. Dogs' interactions with each other are therefore very different off-leash to on-leash. We need to preserve this free time for our pets who are all a very improtant part of our lives.
Dear Health Official,
As an owner of 2 shelter dogs from CACC, I hope that the needs of our animal friends, who gives so much to make the city a more humane place, are not forgotten. Their mental well being, to be able to have a place to run, should not be overlooked. Especially when the hours are limited to before 9 am, I don't think it would take away too much from those who cannot empathize with our canine friends.
Sincerely yours,
Peter Chang
I've noticed that there are a lot of people in NYC who dislike and fear dogs for personal reasons, and take it out on dog owners and their pets. Please do not sign into the law the results of someone's personal taste.
I saw the research on the very dramatic drop in dog bites during the year off leash was allowed. well socialized dogs are gentler dogs. off leash time creates well socialized dogs. it's a no brainer.
the responsible dog owner with a well behaved dog is most likely to be at a loss if off-leash privileges are taken away. Bad dog owners with poorly trained dogs are least likely to follow the law and can be a nuisance regardless of leash law. Also, over 7 million adoptable dogs & cats are killed each year due mainly to overpopulation - this will make giving a good pet a home in NY even harder.
the 9-to-9 policy regarding unleashed dogs has worked well for 20 years, encouraging dogs to run out their city frustrations and act in a manner we expect of pets.
keep it.
