The party is over in Portland for dog owners who are used to letting their dogs off-leash in parks where they are required to be leashed.
Portland Parks and Recreation Park rangers have had the ability to cite people who allow their dogs off-leash in areas dogs must be on a leash since 2013, but those rangers have been required to issue a warning before the citation.
A city policy change means that park rangers can now go straight to the citation.
City law requires dogs to always be on a leash except in off-leash areas, and their waste must be disposed of. Off-leash areas are designated by the city.
It’s the dogs roaming freely in places they shouldn’t be that causes a problem.
“Dog off-leash issues are a top concern for many community members all across the city,” said a press release from the parks department Monday. “These policy changes will help keep our parks safe and clean for all park visitors, and make sure they are welcoming for everyone.”
According to the release, the new policy is already in effect, and rangers are working on educating the public.
The rangers will still be able to issue a warning if they choose. They can also provide leashes and “park-branded poop bag holders.”
Allowed off-leash areas can be found at portland.gov/parks/find-dog-off-leash-area.
– Lizzy Acker covers life and culture and writes the advice column Why Tho? Reach her at 503-221-8052, lacker@oregonian.com.
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