Leaders in Urbandale are considering a new regulation requiring all dogs to be on a leash while on public property. This proposal is driven by a desire to enhance safety for both pets and people.While it may not seem like a contentious issue, the proposed law has sparked a debate among dog owners. Lakeview Park is a favored spot for dog walkers like Alana Gentosi, who mentioned that most dog owners do keep their pets on a leash.”I would say, for the most part, people have their dogs on a leash,” Gentosi said. However, she admitted to occasionally letting her dog run free in certain open areas of the park. “There’s a part beyond (Parkview Lake), where it’s like an open park, and I will admit, I like to let him run free, too.”If the ordinance passes, allowing dogs to roam freely would violate Urbandale’s city code. The new rule would mandate that animals not on their owner’s property be restrained by a leash no longer than 6 feet. The city emphasizes that this change aims to ensure the safety of both pets and residents. Exceptions would be made for designated areas such as dog parks. Another Urbandale resident, Karlene Stokka, supports the proposal. “When you’re out just walking them, they need to be on a leash,” Stokka said.Hailey Strable voiced her concerns, noting frequent encounters with off-leash dogs. “We see dogs off leashes all the time, and we’re always trying to stay away from them because we just don’t know how they are going to react,” Strable said. She believes the city should act proactively to prevent potential incidents.”Our dog is well trained and she would never hurt a fly, but we still put her on a leash just out of respect for everybody else and people being comfortable,” Strable added.The city will hear the first reading of this ordinance at the council meeting Tuesday night. If passed, it could significantly change dog-walking practices in Urbandale, prioritizing safety in public spaces.» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI
Leaders in Urbandale are considering a new regulation requiring all dogs to be on a leash while on public property. This proposal is driven by a desire to enhance safety for both pets and people.
While it may not seem like a contentious issue, the proposed law has sparked a debate among dog owners.
Advertisement
Lakeview Park is a favored spot for dog walkers like Alana Gentosi, who mentioned that most dog owners do keep their pets on a leash.
“I would say, for the most part, people have their dogs on a leash,” Gentosi said. However, she admitted to occasionally letting her dog run free in certain open areas of the park. “There’s a part beyond (Parkview Lake), where it’s like an open park, and I will admit, I like to let him run free, too.”
If the ordinance passes, allowing dogs to roam freely would violate Urbandale’s city code. The new rule would mandate that animals not on their owner’s property be restrained by a leash no longer than 6 feet. The city emphasizes that this change aims to ensure the safety of both pets and residents. Exceptions would be made for designated areas such as dog parks.
Another Urbandale resident, Karlene Stokka, supports the proposal. “When you’re out just walking them, they need to be on a leash,” Stokka said.
Hailey Strable voiced her concerns, noting frequent encounters with off-leash dogs. “We see dogs off leashes all the time, and we’re always trying to stay away from them because we just don’t know how they are going to react,” Strable said. She believes the city should act proactively to prevent potential incidents.
“Our dog is well trained and she would never hurt a fly, but we still put her on a leash just out of respect for everybody else and people being comfortable,” Strable added.
The city will hear the first reading of this ordinance at the council meeting Tuesday night. If passed, it could significantly change dog-walking practices in Urbandale, prioritizing safety in public spaces.
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
