Off leash laws are vital to the mental and physical health of dogs... I see the difference in my dog immediately after taking him off leash --- tail up and happy as can be, on leash--- tail down and looking sad. My pooch as well as other pooches deserve a bit of freedom, they have rights too. They have feelings and needs just like us. So I'm willing to respect the 9pm - 9am rule for off leash, and I believe that this also promotes night time safety in public parks. Owners know their dogs' temperment and if their dog is a hazard to others (people and pets included) then the owners know not to release him/her in a public place. I'm sure that they don't want the financial responsibility of extra medical bills due to a dog bite or dog fight. I know people that have dogs with "issues" and they won't let them off leash. So I'm willing to respect the 9pm - 9am rule for off leash, and I believe that this also promotes night time safety in public parks.
We humans need health:
Physical,mental, psuchological, and social. Dogs have the same needs of health.
Off the leash law in New York City's parks will help greatly to provide dogs thier needs.
Its bad enough the millions of dogs here have to live w/the City noise, small spaces, and no backyards. They deserve this small concession towards a quality of life!
The off leash law is an important component of dog health and socialization. As responsible owners, we know our dogs need to be off leash so they can run freely on fresh grass or even asphalt so as to remain healthy and happy canines.
It has worked for 20 years so why change the law? There are plenty of destructive laws that need changing and this is not one of them. Please allow the off leash hours to continue. I bet advocates of the change are nowhere near any parks during the allowable hours.
Off leash hours are imperative to the health and well-being of all city dogs. Off leash hours provide crucial social interaction and exercize that city dogs would otherwise have to go without. Taking away these hours would mean destroying a healthy outlet for city dogs and their owners, while creating a hostile and unhealthy environment for other residents and future pets.
Off leash hours give me sanity, happiness and allowed me to rescue a dog.