http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/ We, the undersigned, support clarifying amendments to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DOPR) regulations so that the City’s 20-year old successful off-leash policy, which allows responsible dog owners to exercise and socialize their dogs during limited hours and in designated locations in City parks, can be strengthened. WHEREAS, On November 30, 2006, NYS Supreme Court Judge Peter J. Kelly, In the Matter of the Application of JUNIPER PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. v. THE CITY OF NEW YORK, ADRIAN BENEPE, COMMISSIONER OF THE NYC DOPR, ruled in favor of the City and the Parks Commissioner; and WHEREAS, Judge Kelly expressed hope that the DOPR would “formalize the details of the current off-leash policy within the Park Rules”; and WHEREAS, On December 5, 2006, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOMH) adopted amendments to Article 161.05 (the “Leash Law”), which call upon the Parks Department to adopt rules promoting awareness of dog vaccination and licensure requirements, and the specific locations where, and limited times when, dogs may be off-leash; and WHEREAS, The amendments to Article 161.05 permit the Health Department to suspend off-leash activity in a particular area in the event of a statistically verifiable outbreak of rabies, or a preventable spike in dog-related bites that occur in that particular area during the off-leash hours, providing a reasonable and fair provision that is good for the City and all its park users; THEREFORE, We respectfully urge the DOPR to adopt amendments to their own regulations to strengthen responsible dog ownership, comply with the Judge’s decision, comport with the DOMH amendments to Article 161.05, and continue to make parks safe and enjoyable for all City residents. Sun, 17 Dec 2006 03:0:50 CST en-us 3 http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3110057 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST It is very clear that the so call Juniper Park Civic Association just don't like dogs and responsible dogs owners. On the other hand they don't complaint about people trashing the parks, having sex, drinking alcohol, barbecuing and in the summer people sleeping in the parks, and leaving behind old mattresses and cardboards. These people defecate and urinate all over the parks. All of these are perfectly right because they are not dogs. I would be very offended if anyone compares my dog to any of those pigs. Our dogs are trained and we are responsible. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3109916 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3109549 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST early in the morning our two dogs sunshine and penny are estatic to run sniff and greet all their woof buddies. it is a great start to our day.our dogs happy bouncing gives everybody a thrill. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3109040 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Aren't there enough restrictions in the park already? Areas that are fenced off to humans and animals! What's the point of a public park if the public isn't allowed to enjoy it?! Dog owners with well-trained, friendy canine companions deserve at least some of the same considerations as those with 2 legged offspring! http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3109002 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST sending support from CA - www.santacruzpugs.org http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3107846 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Off leash hours are necessary for the proper socialization of dogs. There is an offleash area in my park, and in the six years that I have lived here, there has NEVER been an incident. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3107827 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST I own a pit bull and he is so friendly to people and other dogs b/c he is socialized due to the off leash policies. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3107644 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3107051 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Where else would the dogs get to be mingle "freely"? http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3106950 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3105959 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3105527 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104715 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Please keep and protect the off-leash hours. There are fewer accidents, dog fights and injuries in Prospect Park during off leash hours than in the small crowded dog runs on Manhattan. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104676 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104386 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Some of us do not live near a dog run. Animals and humans benefit from exercise and socializing with freedom. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104351 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Central Park (and other city parks) would not be the same without the off leash time. It keeps the park safer and brings far more people into the park each morning and night. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104341 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104339 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104336 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/amendparksregs/#sig3104036 Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:0:00 CST Off leash hours make everyone happy!