Off Leash Dog Comments Following Recent Post

The Laurelhurst Blog recently posted about off leash dogs at Laurelhurst Park and a pit bull that reportedly killing another dog at the park.

Several months prior, the same pit bull bit another dog at the Park, which required veterinary attention.  It was also reported that a standard poodle was bitten very seriously by a German shepherd several weeks ago in the Park, and required veterinary care. 

The Laurelhurst Blog consistently receives comments from neighbors who frequent the Laurelhurst Park enjoying the park or taking a walk, as well as those with their dogs, who regularly encounter off-leash dogs, a violation of Seattle City Code which states:

City Code (SMC 18.12.080) - Animals running at large prohibited

Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area or designated children's play area.

Any person with a dog or other pet in his or her possession or under his or her control in any park shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.

18.12.085 - Violation—Civil penalties.                           
                                                                                                                                                                                        

Violation of Section 18.12.080 shall be a civil infraction as contemplated by RCW 7.80.120 subject to the following penalties: 

           

• Initial Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50);
• Second Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100);
• Third Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125);
• Subsequent Infractions. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) for each infraction

The Laurelhurst Blog received these comments following the post: 

I am a dog lover, however, the park is not for off-leash use, yet there are constantly dogs off leash running around. We have young children and I am frequently aghast when owners let their dogs run through the playground! Some children are scared of dogs! Let alone even the most well-behaved dogs can be unpredictable when startled by a child. We have lived in Laurelhurst for over 5 years and this has constantly been a problem. Can the LCC board do something? Put up signs or regulate it in some way? Maybe early morning could be a time for "off-leash play" so that there is some compromise!  

Fortunately there are some off-leash dogs at the Laurelhurst Park who are mostly friendly, playful, and supervised by their owners. However some dogs are not, even though owners are well aware of the leash policy and the off-leash dog park at Magnuson.

There should be absolutely no compromise on the well known Seattle Municipal Code about requiring dogs on leashes in the park and the penalties of not.  e are a mile and a half from one of the largest off leash areas in the city, 8.6 acres at Magnuson. We, the taxpayers have spent quite a bit of cash on building and maintaining these off leash areas. If a dog owner is not willing to take advantage of these, why should everyone else suffer for it?

Some children are scared of dogs and so are some adults.  Please do not assume that we all love your cute adorable furry family members. Please keep them on leashes, and I will let you know if I want to pet your pet and/or invite it to jump on me.  

Just because your dog isn't aggressive and is behaved, doesn't mean you shouldn't keep it on a leash. In both of those instances of the German Shepard and pit bull can you say for certain that the dogs weren't actually on a leash and it was the dogs that got bit that were running free? I know more than one situation where a non aggressive dog was unleashed and ran up on an aggressive leashed dog and got hurt. Everyone should keep their dogs leashed. 

I have seen many egregious incidents at the Laurelhurst Park play ground.  Many times I saw dogs running loose around the playground installations. I told the owners that their dogs should be leashed and not in the play area. One owner leashed his dog and called to his son, "C'mon son, this lady says we have to go home." That's not what I said, and shame on him for lying to his son. 

I walk my dog at Laurelhurst Park but always keep him on a leash. I avoided the park for awhile after he was attacked by another dog and needed professional care. Now I only occasionally since the number of off leash dogs has dramatically increased. The law is the law is the law.

I believe our neighborhood should come up with a solution that allows for some compromise on this issue.  There is no good reason that off-leash or unruly dogs should be anywhere near the playground or even the athletic fields when there are young folks at play. Also, it is critical that dog owners who aren't able to successfully  control their dogs should ever have their dogs off leash.

Many people who walk their dogs at the park know that at certain hours, usually very early in the morning, the only people at the Park are dog owners.  I don't take issue when I see other folks enjoying each other's company there and playing with some dogs off leash at this time. 

Pit Bull Reportedly Kills Dog At Laurelhurst Park, And Other Incidents Of Dogs Attacked

The Laurelhurst Blog consistently receives comments from neighbors who frequent the Laurelhurst Park enjoying the park or taking a walk, as well as those with their dogs, who regularly encounter off-leash dogs, a violation of Seattle City Code.

Unfortunately about three weeks ago, it was reported that a Yorkie had been killed by a pit bull at the Park.
 
Several months prior, the same pit bull bit another dog at the Park, which required veterinary attention.
 
It was also reported that a standard poodle was bitten very seriously by a German shepherd several weeks ago in the Park, and required veterinary care.  
 

The pit bull is reportedly moving to live with an out of state owner in a few weeks, who is aware of the dog's history.
 

One dog owner who frequents the Park with her dogs, commented that these unfortunate instances should remind dog owners to always be mindful of others- people and other dogs at the park, as well as managing their dogs in all interactions. 

 

She added "Dogs who are aggressive should be leashed at all times and only handled by someone who can manage them. Their owners should immediately caution approaching dog walkers to stay back."

Another dog owner said that fortunately there are some off-leash dogs at the Laurelhurst Park who are mostly friendly, playful, and supervised by their owners. However some dogs are not, even though owners are well aware of the leash policy and the off-leash dog park at Magnuson. 

 

The Seattle City Code (SMC 18.12.080) states regarding off-leashed dogs: 

18.12.080 - Animals running at large prohibited

Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area or designated children's play area.

Any person with a dog or other pet in his or her possession or under his or her control in any park shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.

18.12.085 - Violation—Civil penalties.                           
                                                                                                                                                                                        

Violation of Section 18.12.080 shall be a civil infraction as contemplated by RCW 7.80.120 subject to the following penalties: 

           

• Initial Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50);
• Second Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100);
• Third Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125);
• Subsequent Infractions. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) for each infraction

Here are other comments received recently about off-leashed dogs at the Laurelhurst Park:

I would agree with what is posted in your most recent article, but I would also add, just because your dog isn't aggressive and is behaved, doesn't mean you shouldn't keep it on a leash. In both of those instances of the German Shepard and pit bull can you say for certain that the dogs weren't actually on a leash and it was the dogs that got bit that were running free? I know more than one situation where a non aggressive dog was unleashed and ran up on an aggressive leashed dog and got hurt. Everyone should keep their dogs leashed.

I have seen many egregious incidents at the Laurelhurst Park play ground, where I used to take my grandchildren. Many times I saw dogs running loose around the playground installations.  I told the owners that dogs should be leashed and not in the play area. One owner leashed his dog and called to his son, "C'mon son, this lady says we have to go home." That's not what I said, and shame on him for lying to his son.

I walk my dog at Laurelhurst Park but always keep him on a leash. I avoided the park for awhile after he was attacked by another dog and needed professional care. Now I only occasionally since the number of off leash dogs has dramatically increased. The law is the law is the law. The arrogant self entitlement that the owners show who continually let their dogs off leash is appalling and very un-neighborly. There's a big dog park at Magnuson to take off leash dogs to or your own backyard?  Maybe you don't want your dog to poop in your own yard.  Follow the law for the sake of everyone in Laurelhurst. 

I believe our neighborhood should come up with a solution that allows for some compromise on this issue, such as in San Diego where off-leash dogs are allowed only at certain hours. There is no good reason that off-leash or unruly dogs should be anywhere near the playground or even the athletic fields when there are young folks at play. Also, it is critical that dog owners who aren't able to successfully  control their dogs should ever have their dogs off leash.

Many people who walk their dogs at the park know that at certain hours, usually very early in the morning, the only people at the Park are dog owners.  I don't take issue when I see other folks enjoying each other's company there and playing with some dogs off leash at this time.  I do agree it is the responsibility of owners to throw away their dog's waste properly, and also help clean up after those who didn't.

We were having a birthday gathering in the park and on TWO separate occasions, off leash dogs ran into the party and started towards the food. Both times the dog owners laughed about it. 

 

Off Leash Dogs Not Allowed In City Parks And Neighbor Comments

The Laurelhurst Blog consistently receives comments regarding residents who regularly visit the Laurelhurst park and encounter off-leash dogs


The City Code (SMC 18.12.080) states: 

18.12.080 - Animals running at large prohibited

Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area or designated children's play area.

Any person with a dog or other pet in his or her possession or under his or her control in any park shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.

18.12.085 - Violation—Civil penalties.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Violation of Section 18.12.080 shall be a civil infraction as contemplated by RCW 7.80.120 subject to the following penalties: 

           

• Initial Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50);
• Second Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100);
• Third Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125);
• Subsequent Infractions. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) for each infraction

Here are some comments received:

I have seen many egregious incidents at the Laurelhurst Park play ground, where I used to take my grandchildren. Many times I saw dogs running loose around the playground installations.  I told the owners that dogs should be leashed and not in the play area. One owner leashed his dog and called to his son, "C'mon son, this lady says we have to go home." That's not what I said, and shame on him for lying to his son.

I walk my dog at Laurelhurst Park but always keep him on a leash. I avoided the park for awhile after he was attacked by another dog and needed professional care. Now I only occasionally since the number of off leash dogs has dramatically increased. The law is the law is the law. The arrogant self entitlement that the owners show who continually let their dogs off leash is appalling and very un-neighborly. There's a big dog park at Magnuson to take off leash dogs to or your own backyard?  Maybe you don't want your dog to poop in your own yard.  Follow the law for the sake of everyone in Laurelhurst. 

I believe our neighborhood should come up with a solution that allows for some compromise on this issue, such as in San Diego where off-leash dogs are allowed only at certain hours. There is no good reason that off-leash or unruly dogs should be anywhere near the playground or even the athletic fields when there are young folks at play. Also, it is critical that dog owners who aren't able to successfully  control their dogs should ever have their dogs off leash.

Many people who walk their dogs at the park know that at certain hours, usually very early in the morning, the only people at the Park are dog owners.  I don't take issue when I see other folks enjoying each other's company there and playing with some dogs off leash at this time.  I do agree it is the responsibility of owners to throw away their dog's waste properly, and also help clean up after those who didn't.

We were having a birthday gathering in the park and on TWO separate occasions, off leash dogs ran into the party and started towards the food. Both times the dog owners laughed about it. 

City Issuing Tickets for Off Leash Dogs At Laurelhurst Park

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information from a resident:

On Saturday, November 19, we noticed Seattle Park enforcement officers issuing citations to folks with dogs not on leashes at the Park.  

I fear people may not be aware of the possible fines, it could be a minimum $50 and you may not get a first-time warning.  I couldn't easily find out about this on the Park's website. 

Neighborhood dog lovers might appreciate a "heads up."

The City Code (SMC 18.12.080) states: 

18.12.080 - Animals running at large prohibited

Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area or designated children's play area.

Any person with a dog or other pet in his or her possession or under his or her control in any park shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.

18.12.085 - Violation—Civil penalties.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Violation of Section 18.12.080 shall be a civil infraction as contemplated by RCW 7.80.120 subject to the following penalties: 

           

• Initial Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50);
• Second Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100);
• Third Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125);
• Subsequent Infractions. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) for each infraction

The Laurelhurst Blog has consistently received comments, from frustrated residents who regularly visit the Laurelhurst park and regularly encounter off-leash dogs.

Here is one comment received: 

On Mother’s Day my family, including several kids, went to the park.  Not long after, they returned with my 5 year old nephew in tears, bleeding from his lips and gum, a tooth knocked loose; an unleashed dog, playing fetch, had pushed him over and stepped on his mouth.  It took us some time to calm and clean up my nephew, and we had to call and consult with both the dentist and pediatrician.  It was stressful for all of us.   

Although the dog owner was apologetic and concerned, I hope this episode will help neighbors to remember that Laurelhurst Park is not a dog park:  Unleashed dogs make the park unsafe for children, and that’s true no matter how friendly you think your dog is.   

Please keep your dog on a leash, or take the short drive to Magnuson to have off-leash time there.  It may be less convenient, but it’s part of keeping our park a safe and fun place for people to play

.

Unleashed Dog In Laurelhurst Park Hurts Child

The Laurelhurst Blog consistently receives comments, from frustrated residents who regularly visit the Laurelhurst park and regularly encounter off-leash dogs, which is against City Code (SMC 18.12.080) which states: 


18.12.080 - Animals running at large prohibited

Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics area or designated children's play area.

Any person with a dog or other pet in his or her possession or under his or her control in any park shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.

18.12.085 - Violation—Civil penalties.

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Violation of Section 18.12.080 shall be a civil infraction as contemplated by RCW 7.80.120 subject to the following penalties: 

           

• Initial Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of Fifty Dollars ($50);
• Second Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Dollars ($100);
• Third Infraction. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($125);
• Subsequent Infractions. Imposition of a monetary penalty of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) for each infraction

 

Here is the most recent email received: 

On Mother’s Day my family, including several kids, went to the park.  Not long after, they returned with my 5 year old nephew in tears, bleeding from his lips and gum, a tooth knocked loose; an unleashed dog, playing fetch, had pushed him over and stepped on his mouth.  It took us some time to calm and clean up my nephew, and we had to call and consult with both the dentist and pediatrician.  It was stressful for all of us.   

Although the dog owner was apologetic and concerned, I hope this episode will help neighbors to remember that Laurelhurst Park is not a dog park:  Unleashed dogs make the park unsafe for children, and that’s true no matter how friendly you think your dog is.   

Please keep your dog on a leash, or take the short drive to Magnuson to have off-leash time there.  It may be less convenient, but it’s part of keeping our park a safe and fun place for people to play

.

No Water Access At Magnuson Off-Leash Area



Seattle Parks and Recreation sent out this news release:

 

Access to water temporarily closed at Magnuson Off-leash Area

 

Toxic algae scum spotted in Lake Washington

 

As a precaution, Seattle Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed access to the water at the Magnuson Park dogs off-leash area.

 

 

Toxic algae has been found in accumulated scum in Lake Washington along the shores of the off-leash area. Toxic algae blooms are most common in the summer and fall, but can occur any time. 

King County Department of Natural Resources collected water samples and submitted them to the State Toxic Algae Program. The information was reviewed by Public Health – Seattle & King County. Tests have revealed that the toxins are currently found in the scummy algae that accumulate in some places along the shore. 

In general, people and pets should not wade or play in the lake where the scum has accumulated and dogs should not drink from the lake in these areas. If there is water contact for a pet, it is important to rinse well to remove all algae. Out of an abundance of caution, Parks closed beach/water access in the off-leash area until it is deemed safe for dogs to swim and play in the water. 

For more information on toxic algae and symptoms of toxic poisoning, please visit Washington Department of Health toxic algae website.

 

 

And Brian Judd, Manager of Seattle Parks and Recreation also shared this information:

Because of the nature of the algae blooms (they move based on wind and lake conditions), it is very difficult to determine the extent of the bloom at any location for any given time. This poster has a link to

www.nwtoxicalgae.org which is the location to go and see the most recent samples and locations. It gets updated when new samples come in. 

Until this issue is resolved, it is very important to keep your pets away from the dog beach and the water. Algal blooms that are toxic can poison animals, wildlife, and people. If your pet has been exposed to the water at the dog park, please make sure that they do not lick their fur and rinse them with clean water. Then, rinse your hands and any exposed skin. 

Blooms appear as foam, scum, or streaks on the surface of water and can be green, blue, red, or brown in color. Dogs that are exposed to toxic algae can show severe signs within minutes to hours. Watch for signals such as low energy, weakness, not eating, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, paralysis, seizures, or tremors. 

If your pet becomes ill, call your veterinarian immediately. Also, please report animal poisonings to your local health department. You can also notify the Washington Department of Health at: 360.236.3330.

 

More Neighbors Urge Dog Owners To Keep Dogs Leashed And Pick Up Waste

Following our post last week about off-leash dogs as well as dog owners not picking up their dog's waste we received the following comments:

We are so annoyed with dog poop on our parking strip.  Please keep your dogs on leash and clean up their mess!

Bravo! I totally agree. Many dogs have frightened my four year old. I am also fed up with hearing about how friendly the dog is. Please keep your dog on its leash.   

Off leash dogs are a real problem in Laurelhurst Park and on the neighborhood streets. Some people seem to think they are above the law. It is disgusting how they allow their pets to crap in the park and on the street or wherever and just leave it. The poor little child who was approached by a large dog. That fear may be with him for his entire life.  The dog may be harmless but all dogs can be aggressive, especially where food is concerned.   

I’ve heard dog owners say “Wow, he’s never done that before”.....Surprise! Many time I’ve noticed a woman with a dog off leash walking by our house, dog running back and forth into the neighbors’ well tended planting beds. The dog owner (the law breaker)  had the leash around her neck. Couldn’t resist: I said “I think the leash is supposed to be around the dog”. She was so offended but doesn’t seem to understand that the leash is for the safety of the dog. Then there are the people who say “Dogs should be free”. I reply with “then why do you own one”? Enough said. 

I want to encourage people to take their dogs to Magnuson Dog Park. It is less than a ten minute drive away and is one of the best dog parks-- if not the best dog park--in the state. We are so fortunate to live so close to this off leash area, and it is a great place to take your dog for exercise.  

I agree, it is not safe to have your dog off leash at Laurelhurst Playfield/Park. If some dogs are leashed (as they should be) and others are not, this can sometimes be a volatile mix for the poor dogs.  

If people have dogs that do not walk well on a leash, I encourage them to think about taking their dogs to classes at Seattle Humane Society--it is right across the 520, just a 20 minute drive from Laurelhurst and the classes are GREAT! You are also supporting the Humane Society when you take a class there. 

Thanks for the reminder of picking-up dog waste.....however if a neighbors garbage can is quite close, what's wrong with throwing the waste bag into a close garbage can????  I do not have a dog and I would not be upset if a neighbor used my garbage can, better than throwing it into someones garden!!!!    

Laurelhurst Blog response:We understand that is against City Code to put your garbage in someone else's trash can for various reasons - it is not their garbage, you are trespassing on their property, and you are not paying them to take away the garbage you put in there, (also known as "theft of service") and also it does not seem neighborly, especially if the person whose garbage can you are using does not have a dog. It is best to throw away your dog's feces in your own garbage. Or if a neighbor uses your garbage for their dog feces, then perhaps you have ok'd that, but it is not ok to assume that everyone is ok with that.

Here are some pertinent City codes:

http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?d=CODE&s1=21.36.440.snum.&Sect5=CODE1&Sect6=HITOFF&l=20&p=1&u=/~public/code1.htm&r=1&f=G

http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?d=CODE&s1=21.36.922.snum.&Sect5=CODE1&Sect6=HITOFF&l=20&p=1&u=%2F%7Epublic%


And here again is list of City Municipal Codes and corresponding violations for not picking up dog waste with fine amounts imposed by the City of Seattle:

Offenses Related to Safety and Sanitation
$109 Allowing accumulation of feces SMC 9.25.082 (A)
$54 Not removing feces from another’s property SMC 9.25.082 (B)
$54 Not having equipment to remove feces  SMC 9.25.082 (C)

 

 

Neighbor Outraged Over Off Leash Dogs At Laurelhurst Park

picture sent in by reader October 2013

The Laurelhurst Blog consistently receives comments, which are posted, from frustrated residents who regularly visit the park and encounter off-leash dogs, which is against the law.

There are no exceptions just "because an owner wants his dog to get exercise," as a reader told us last month.

Magnuson offers an off-leash dog area to be used by those off-leash dog owners, not Laurelhurst or any other public park, not formally designated as off-leash.

The neighbors, who  are often scared for their children, with their often aggressive small and large dogs running freely, are frustrated that fellow neighbors are not following Seattle's City Code (SMC 9.25.084) to keep dogs on leashes, except in designated off-leash areas. A violation can result in a $54 fine.

Here is the most recent email received: 

I would like to communicate to our Laurelhurst neighbors and friends through the Laurelhurst Blog, in the clearest possible terms, the importance of keeping dogs on leashes at Laurelhurst Park.

Both my wife and my 5 year old son have been approached by aggressive or unruly dogs off leash in recent days, leading to the 5 year old now being very scared of animals, and threatening the health of my wife who recently had back surgery and relies on using the park safely for her rehabilitation.  

In the case of the incident with my 5 year old son at the playground, no apology was even offered, even though the off leash dog bit food right out of his hand. 

Let me be very clear to the community (and we do like dogs very much but the way): 

1. There is a leash law that applies at Laurelhurst Park. If a dog is off leash, the law is being broken. 

2. We have called Seattle Animal Control to report incidents, and we will continue to do so when we see incidents. If the dog is repeatedly off-leash, people will be getting a ticket. 

3. When I hear “Oh don’t worry, he/she/said dog wouldn't hurt anyone” after a dog runs at me, I am neither reassured nor do I know that beforehand. This comment, while frequently and apologetically offered, is utterly enraging. 

4. There is an off-leash area at Magnuson Park. Use it please. 

5. The dog owner is responsible for the dog’s behavior. If the dog did it, you did it.