TCDOG Update

Ithaca Dog Park on Channel 10 (Feb. 11, 2005)

Ithaca Dog Park Debate
By Megan Driscoll, News 10 Now Web Staff

It may not be the dog days of summer, but for these dogs it doesn't need to be to enjoy running around outside.

"Loves to be outside. Loves to play both in the winter and in the summer,” said Joanne Hume, a dog owner.

Even though they enjoy the exercise, it's still the law that dogs have to be kept on a leash. Major Richard Waffle is with the New York State Park Police.

"And the parks are for the people. And everybody has a right to be in the park and enjoy their intrinsic recreational experience. And some people like dogs some people don't like dogs. It becomes a conflict where the dogs running a large encounter someone who is not a dog person. And that becomes a problem," he said.

There are 30 state parks in 10 area counties, including this one Allan Treman State Marine Park here in Tompkins County. Major Waffle says that 34 tickets were issued last year to people who didn't have their dogs on a leash in all 30 parks. There were 16 this year. For some, enforcement isn't enough.

"The animals are walking along side but they are off the leash. They are going to the restroom on the walkway where the people walk. And the people who own the animals are not pick up after their animals and are leaving it all over the place for people to step in. I find it a significant problem,” said Doug Lecoq, who walks in the park.

Others find the lack of a dog park a problem as well.

"There is a tremendous need for a dog park around here because there are lots of people who love their animals, love their dogs and the dogs need a place to run around freely. So the dogs can get exercise so the dogs can socialize with other dogs," Hume said

Until there's one built, these pooches will have to enjoy the outside from their leashes.

The state police say a park and rec. violation can be up to $250 and a city leash law violation can be up to $25.

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