Exercise is very important to dogs and the issue of being on or off leash is really an issue of responsiblity. All the "dog people" I know take their dogs to obedience classes, and continually work with their dogs so that they are well-behaved. Also, having dogs in the park early in the morning makes the park safer for runners, etc.
The off-leash policy in NYC's parks is, without a doubt, one of the many amazing facets of our city. It is not simply about the dogs, although it is great for the health and welfare of the dogs. This policy has created a really wonderful community within our large and sometimes overwhelming city..
It is one of the reasons that I love NY.
Dog owners are tax payers whose money supports the parks, too, and have a right to use the parks to spend time with their dogs off-leash. Dog owners are also among the most responsible users of the park, and do a heck of a lot of clean up.
Like our children, dogs need to run and jump and play unleashed for a while every day. Any dog owner who is loving enough to take their dog to the park before work in the morning, is caring and kind enough to be alert to others and to clean up after their dogs. Please keep this wonderful privilege alive for people like and me their pets. Thank you.
My ability to walk my dog responsibly off leash is so important to me and to my pet. We support the park and make it safer for others. Please support this privilege.
Please do give our doggies the opportunity and let the 9pm-9am off leash rule stand...they give us all such joy in the city. There are some people who should be on leashes but, we allow them free...only kidding but, it is so so important.
