Off-leash Dog Rights in the MCOSD

To: Marin County Open Space District

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the Marin County Open Space District Staff, Members of the Marin County Board of Supervisors :John Kress, Harold C. Brown, Jr., Annette Rose, Steve Kinsey, Cynthia Murray, and other elected and appointed officials to take the necessary action to maintain the right of dog owners to walk with their dogs under voice control and off-leash on the MCOSD fire roads.



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Currently, Marin County Open Space District regulations permit the public to enjoy non habitat-sensitive MCOSD preserve fire roads with their dogs off leash. Dogs are permitted off leash and under voice control on most Open Space fire roads. Marin County Open Space District Staff is recommending that all dogs must be on leash at all times when on all Open Space fire roads.

Dog related incidents and complaints in the Open Space are said to be a major factor in their recommendation. However, according to the data provided by the MCOSD, a total of only 81 dog related incidents and complaints have been reported over the past two years. Three complaints per month on Open Space is minimal given the acreage of District preserves and the population of users.

Wildlife and sensitive habitat preservation is the second factor in the MCOSD recommendation. We support restrictions in ecologically sensitive habitats, but on currently accessible fire roads, responsible people with their dogs off leash have no more impact then bicycles, horses and grazing cattle.

"It is unnecessarily punitive to limit the use of district land to responsible people and their canine companions because of an offending few," said Marin Humane Society Executive Director, Diane Allevato.

We live, pay taxes and vote in Marin County. Open Space is local land under local jurisdiction. Local people, many of whom bring their dogs, use this land. Thanks to our tax dollars, Open Space is multi-use space for all.

People who walk with dogs off leash on fire roads gain freedom and security, companionship and exercise while enjoying the beauty of Marin. People accompanied by a dog off leash are given physical and emotional motivation to recreate and socialize.

The restrictions of a leash would adversely impact our Open Space experience and leave few options for off leash recreation. Where can we safely take dogs off leash except Dog Parks? The ban will create problems in populated areas by overcrowding dog parks, public parks, schools, and other more populated areas.

Off leash walks provide better exercise for the dog, allowing them to cover more ground. Exercised dogs are better behaved, less anxious and high-strung, and bark less.

"Off-leash dog areas are a key ingredient to proper animal management. Dogs need to run, play, jump, and exercise. These needs cannot be properly met at the end of a leash. It is imperative that off-leash dog areas be made available to the public. Without them, we will see a rise in bites and numerous other problems that result from dogs not being properly socialized." Excerpt from a letter that is signed by William Herndon of the San Francisco Police Department.

Why punish responsible dog owners? Bad laws make good people criminals. We support the right of dog owners to walk with their dogs under voice control and off-leash on the MCOSD fire roads.