Off-leash dog parks in West Hollywood could see a range of stricter rules soon.
The Public Facilities Commission, which oversees the operations of dog parks within the city, is set to review a proposal tonight that would adopt Los Angeles County Code, Title 17.04.412 Dog Off-Leash Area Rules and Regulations.
Some of the notable new rules include:
- Dogs must be accompanied by someone over 18
- Children under 6 years old are not allowed.
- Dogs must be four months old or older.
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered.
- No more than three dogs are allowed per person.
City Council made the decision on October 16, 2017, to dissolve the Public Facilities Commission’s Off-Leash Dog Committee. The Committee, which was initially established on June 20, 2005, has been instrumental in overseeing the operations of off-leash dog areas within the city. Moving forward, these responsibilities will be absorbed directly by the Public Facilities Commission.
In alignment with this transition, City Council reviewed the existing rules and etiquette for dog park use, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for pets and their owners. Current rules mandate that dogs must be leashed outside fenced areas, owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, and all dogs must meet license and vaccination requirements. These rules are reinforced by a set of etiquette guidelines that encourage responsible pet ownership, including supervising and attending to dogs at all times, removing potentially harmful gear before play, and adhering to a no smoking or eating policy within fenced areas.
However, it has been noted that the existing etiquette language lacks enforcement authority, highlighting a need for more robust regulation to ensure compliance and safety. In response, city staff have proposed that the Commission review the Los Angeles County Code’s Dog Off-Leash Area Rules and Regulations for potential adoption by the City Council. This review aims to introduce more comprehensive and enforceable guidelines that align with the city’s commitment to public safety and animal welfare.
The proposed changes come at a time when dog parks play a vital role in the community, providing essential spaces for pets to exercise and socialize. By enhancing the regulatory framework and oversight of these areas, the city aims to promote a more enjoyable and secure environment for all city residents and their furry friends.
How about some breed restrictions? From my observations, that would really help make these dog parks more enjoyable.
And what breed would you restrict? Dogs are the results of their owners. You want to put racial or sexual orientation restrictions on the dog parks too? How about income restrictions? Where do you get this stuff? Really.
I think you already know. Pit Bulls would be at the top of the list. Banning dog breeds is NOT the same as discriminating against human beings. Don’t be ridiculous. Although, I have noticed that some gay men are so busy socializing (probably trying to hook up) that they don’t notice that their aggressive dog is attacking someone else’s dog. These are all observations from real life.
Lady, pit bulls are the result of owner action. Aggressive dogs are the results of their owners. By the way, your comment which I understand is homophobic and careless. Your real life observations are tainted and incorrect; what you should have said was the owners were not paying attention and their dogs were playing aggressively. Instead you insulted the gay population and maligned an entire breed of dog that you obliviously know nothing about.
I absolutely agree that the owners are at fault. Isn’t it also interesting that pit bulls are just about always involved in these incidents? Here’s a recent one:
https://ktla.com/news/local-news/man-mauled-to-death-by-pit-bulls-in-compton
Your interpretation isn’t what I’ve seen happen many, many times. It’s not homophobic to say that gay men go to the dog park to find guys to hook up with. Is it homophobic to say that gay men go to gay bars to find guys to sleep with? Of course not. It’s just the truth.
The point is that you did not need to include anything about gay men in your post at all. The topic is dogs. Your comment is nothing more than hate speech.
This is what I’ve observed at dog parks, how is an observation hate speech? Are gay men not allowed to exist and hook up with other gay men? Unfortunately for you, we are here and exhibit all kinds of behavior. You also didn’t notice that the topic is dogs AND their owners (who should be called guardians). How many dogs go to the park by themselves?
For a city who “claims” to care soooo much about our 4 legged friends, the WEHO park dog areas are embarrassingly small. There was talk about relocating the basketball courts to enlarge the parks which makes the most sense but it went nowhere. Remember that these dog areas were supposed to be much larger during the planning process then mysteriously fell off the plans altogether until someone asked what happened to them. There are just too many pathetically dumb mistakes for a city not even 2 miles long. Wake the F up city hall!!!!!
The dogs were never the problem. Some of the people who brought them to the park are the ;problem.
City Council loves to pass laws that are never enforced. Codes? Who cares?
How would the West Hollywood determine if dogs are spayed or neutered? Will they be required to carry a card similar to a vaccination record? How much will it costs to enforce this?
How about strolling through Kings Rd park , which is NOT a dog park and enforce the leash laws. It’s become a joke at this point. I’ve seen a young girl get mauled by a Shephard not on a leash. Let block by block issue the warnings if this is not important enough for the sheriff’s.
What’s a “Shephard”? Is that an aggressive dog breed?
Do u have nothing better to do than look for spelling errors? How very sad to be so pessimistic and deprived of joy.
I’m not looking for spelling errors, genuinely wondering what dog breed you’re talking about. No need to be sad for me, my life is one of joy and optimism. I’ve been very lucky!
You knew very well he was referring to German Shepherds.
No, I didn’t, actually. There are Anatolian Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds and many other herding breeds. Were you there to observe as well?
The changes are appropriate but how are the new rules going to be enforced? Will there be code enforcement officers ticketing individuals who bring dogs not be spayed or neutered? It seems our city loves creating regulations which are not enforced.
As a user of the off leash dog park at Weho Park, the additional guidelines would be welcomed, but who is going to enforce them?
Currently, people “drop off” their dogs and leave the dog park enclosure, some times for hours at a time. There are always people that don’t clean up after their dog and folks that are eating and smoking. And how is the City going to enforce the spayed and neutered clause? The potential new guidelines are appropriate, but without follow-through are nothing but useless words.