Why is this even an issue? Can't the Juniper Park Association focus on real public issues. Isn't it harsh enough that they took the BBQ grills and picnic benches out of the park so the minorities would stop coming their to have their Sunday cookouts. Now they want the dogs out too. What's next, no squirrels??
I believe that off-leash hours are a terrific accomodation to dogs and their owners and that responsible owners ensure that their dogs behave. Please keep off-leash hours in effect.
The ability to exercise (walking on a leash is not exercise to a dog) and freely socialize makes our dogs better city residents. Please continue the off-leash hours. Sincerely, Kristen Hurwitz, President, Port Chester Obedience Training Club
TeachRover.com
I own a therapy dog who could not work without having exercise as a very important part of her daily routine.
Animals need exercise as much as they need food. Please remember: many of the dogs that exercise off the leash in Central Park and other parks around NYC do social work that benefits the community. I hope you can continue extending early/late hours off-leash privileges to NYC dogs.
Under conditions safe for dogs and pedestrians, there is no reason that our parks should not have such areas. Most animals are more civilized than a lot of people
The whole off lease policy engenders a community of responsible people who adopt unwanted dogs and , most importantly, pick up dog poop ( and challenge those who don't ) .
This is an extraordinary way for dogs and their people to socialize. Happy, exercised dogs make clamer dogs who interact with calmer people. More people in the parks mean safer parks -- my park being Prospect, which is totally safer during off leash hours.
My husband and I have enjoyed the priviledge of having our dogs off the leash during the regulated hours, for 20 years, and feel it is as important for our dogs as for us. We hope this practice will become law. Thank you. Kay and Bill Schrenk
Off-leash during off- hours (9PM-9AM) in specified areas promotes healthy, well-exercised, well-adjusted, sociable dogs, safer parks, and strong community ties. Requiring dogs to be leashed during regular hours from 9AM-9PM permits all other constitutuencies to enjoy the park to the fullest when they are most likely to be there.
One third of New York households have a dog as a member of the family. We need to make time and space for these dogs in our public parks, just as we have made space for runners, bikers, tennis players and baseball teams.
Off leash is a must in a civil society. Pet 'ownership' is more than feeding and bathroom walks. Socialization and excersize for dogs and people fosters good citizenship well behaved dogs AND peopl.
