Due to a recent incident involving a leashed dog lunging at a child during a soccer match, it has become necessary to create “restrictive areas” for pets in the parks. Effective immediately, no pets (other than medical assistance dogs) will be permitted in the player, fan and spectator areas of any athletic fields or buildings or at any event held within the park.

These restrictive areas are clearly marked with green and white signage. Below you will find the DCPR ordinance relative to this protective safety measure and subsequent penalties for violation of the ordinance.

As always, thank you for your cooperation as we strive to keep your parks a safe place for children and families.

SECTION XI.  ANIMALS RESTRICTED.   

            (a)  Other than seeing-eye dogs as necessary, or unless authorized by permit, no person with an animal shall access areas of a park or recreation facility that are restricted to such animals.

            (b)  In all locations within a park or recreation facility where animals are permitted, the animal owner or custodian of an animal shall maintain physical control of the animal by leash or lead line no longer than ten feet at all times.

            (c)  In locations within a park or recreation facility where animals are permitted, the animal owner or custodian of an animal shall immediately and properly dispose of waste deposited by the animal.

            (d) The animal owner or custodian of the animal in a park or recreation facility shall possess current rabies vaccination for the animal. 

            (e) The animal owner or custodian of an animal in a park or recreation facility shall immediately remove from such park or recreation facility an animal if the animal exhibits aggressive behavior toward any person or toward any other domesticated animal.  For purposes of this subsection, aggressive behavior includes, but is not limited to,  barking, growling, baring of teeth or fangs, biting or attempts to bite, or any other behavior that could reasonably be expected to scare or intimidate any person or domesticated animal.

SECTION IV.  PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE.

            (a) Any person violating any provision of this ordinance shall be punished by fine not exceeding $1000.00.

            (b) Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance may further be denied permission to use the facilities of any park or recreation facility for a period of sixty (60) days following the determination that such violation occurred.