Unleash the truth
Myths and misconceptions about off-leash areas
Off-leash areas have been successfully implemented and maintained throughout the U.S. for over a decade. Often, some people oppose these areas due to the common myths and misconceptions about off-leash areas. In reality, these areas provide great benefits not only to dogs, but also to the community at large. After considerable research of other cities that have successful off-leash programs we have learned the following:
Myth #1
Hordes of loose dogs will over-run the city.
Untrue. Bloomington's off-leash area has fencing and natural barriers. The sign at the entryway alerts the public that this area is for off-leash enjoyment and leash laws will be in effect everywhere else in the city.
Myth #2
My child or dog will be viciously attacked.
Untrue. There has never been a single serious injury reported in any off-leash area to our knowledge - it simply hasn't happened. As a Minneapolis attorney commented, "There is less liability in an off-leash area than in most other park activities." Off-leash areas are neutral territories for visiting dogs, so it is highly unlikely that they will try to protect their turf. Dogs prefer to work things out in their groups peacefully, much as humans do. Plus, animal behaviorists have know for years that dogs are less likely to be aggressive with each other when off-leash than when they are on leash!
Children under adult supervision will be allowed in the off-leash areas, but parents are advised to use common sense, especially with very small children. Dogs while playing can inadvertently bump into children, which may frighten them. Dogs known to be aggressive are not permitted to use these areas.
Myth #3
The noise and stench will be overwhelming.
Untrue. Well-exercised and well-socialized dogs are much quieter in public areas and at home. So the more running and playing a dog does, the less likely that it will play-bark or engage in nuisance barking. The cities we consulted reported that nuisance barking was not a problem in their off-leash areas.
A strict "pick up" policy will be in effect at all locations and it is everyone's responsibility to keep the areas clean. Extra plastic bags and trashcans will be provided at the site and the trash will be emptied regularly. The experience of other cities shows that once there are legal off-leash areas, there is stronger peer pressure to pick up dog droppings and trash and these areas tend to be far cleaner than other public areas of the city.
Myth #4
The vegetation and grass will be destroyed and the fencing will be unsightly.
Untrue. The size of the off-leash area will help ensure that there is plenty of room to spread out to decrease pressure on vegetation. Areas of high use (entryways, common paths) may need wood chips or other material, as is already done in many city parks. Part of the design and calculated maintenance is for beautification projects, such as vines or shrubs around fencing to camouflage it. There are many types of fencing available that can be quite unobtrusive or even very attractive. The type of fencing used will depend on how much money is allocated from the city and raised from private donors (such as you).
Myth #5
It's too expensive.
Untrue. Aside from initial start-up costs to pay for fencing, signage, and amenities such as trashcans, it costs very little to maintain the areas. Unlike softball fields or hockey rinks, off-leash areas require very little maintenance beyond trash removal, occasional mowing or snow removal. It has been proposed that a modest increase in dog licensing fees would pay for any maintenance costs. In fact, making off-leash areas a benefit of dog registration would lead to more dog registrations and increased revenue for the city.
The reality:
Off-leash areas are a great neighborhood gathering places. Experience shows that off-leash areas build strong neighborhoods and communities. Crime has decreased in many cities near the off-leash areas and people who normally would not talk to each other will start conversations when a dog is there to break the ice. So neighbors get to know each other, friendships are made and romances can even bloom!
For more information, contact:
Parks and Recreation
1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
PH: 952-563-8877, TTY: 952-563-8740, FAX: 952-563-8715
E-mail: parksrec@ci.bloomington.mn.us
Off-leash HOME |
Off-leash myths |
ROMP |
Recreational facilities
|
