My dog is happier, healthier, and less agressive BECAUSE she gets time to play off-leash in Central Park. And I'm a happier, healthier NYer too! If you take this away, fewer people will adopt dogs in need of homes.
I think dogs should all be able to run freely and release their stress and tension. I support this for that reason. I do REALLY wish they would make more dog runs for dogs too since you consider almost 1 out of ever 3 families own at least one dog.
I support this petition. This excellent parks policy deserves to be continued. Dog and Dog owners alike benefit from the exercise, and those who do not own dogs benefit from the fact that most dogs are in the park after hours. It's a perfect balance!
...because many NY dog owners moved near the parks for this added benefit. They can use the parks at night and feel safer with their dogs. Unfortunately some dog owner don't pick up after their dogs, but this is the case whether they are off leash or on a leash. You will be making thousands of animals and animal owners happy!
The freedom of dogs to walk and play off leash is vital to the improved social environment of our city as it creates a community and makes joggers and other feel safe to use our parks at night.
because I have lived in the City for the past five years and have taken advantage of this rule for most mornings during this entire period. I have not once seen a problem. The community of dog owners who avail themselves of the Offlease policy have their own norms and generally enforce a code of etiquette that keeps dangerous dogs leashed.
One of the great joys of living in New York City is being able to take my dog to Prospect Park in the mornings and have him off leash. I don't know how we would be able to live in the city if that were no longer possible.
The off-leash hours have been a successful, peaceful policy in New York City for years. We keep the park safe and follow the rules---point blank. Please allow us to continue to do so---we're New Yorkers too.
I support this petitiion. Dog owners are responsible about their pets ( we clean up!) and the park, which they use in every weather. We appreciate the beauty of the park and fight to maintain it, while keeping it safer. Our dogs stay healthier and better behaved and the off leash hours are timed so as to allow all groups a chance for enjoyment of the park. Please keep the off leash hours.
The open fields of the parks are perfect for “real” exercise of dogs (walking a dog is not enough exercise for them, they need to run. Properly exercised dogs are MUCH less likely to bark and perform other nuisance behaviors when in their apartments.
because having my dog and responsible off-leash enjoyment is the single greatest factor that has kept my in NYC despite economic and other influences otherwise. It's critical and valuable for the wellbeing of our animals and the many citizens they help - directly and indirectly.
If not for my dogs I might not even get into the parks myself ;-) Dogs bring their owners to the park, entertain others and create friendly social environments during the times of day when parks might otherwise be susceptible to crime or misdeeds, imho. Please save the leash laws.
500,000 dog owners and 1.4 million dogs who live in New York City need outdoor opportunities that allow dogs to become properly exercised, socialized, and well-adjusted canine citizens.
Dog owners who take their pets to the park for exercise during offleash hours are responsible, law-abiding citizens who supervise, train, and clean up after their dogs. They deserve the same rights to engage in the activity of their choice as any other special-interest group of park users.
Because it is vital that our canine companions have a place to run free so they can be healthy and tame. Only those of us who act responsibly, mindful of our pets and cleaning up after them, actually go to the park during these hours. We are a community of pet owners that rejoice in sharing beauty of the day and our park with our pets.
