Boston Needs Dog Parks!

I support the creation of official, off-leash dog parks, runs, and/or areas in Boston. Dog parks are the answer to dogs running loose in public areas!

Off-leash dog parks provide a place for dogs to socialize with each other, getting the physical and mental exercise they need to be good companions and good neighbors.

In addition, off-leash areas benefit the community in many ways:

dog parks keep the animals away from children and people who dont like them

they help keep other public spaces free of feces

they promote responsible pet ownership

they promote public health and safety since the dogs who use the park must be licensed and vaccinated

they provide a tool for enforcing dog control laws

well-socialized dogs are less aggressive towards people and other dogs

for elderly and disabled people, a dog park is often the only accessible place to bring their companions to socialize

they foster community feeling -- dog park users get to know each other well

dog parks are desirable neighborhood amenities for newcomers

groups of dogs and owners can revitalize little-used areas

Every city in the U.S. larger than Boston has at least one dog park. Most have three or more. New York City alone has 26!

Dog parks are not a fad; they are being created across the U.S. every month due to the combined efforts of community groups and local governments.

Boston and Boston-area dog park efforts:

Arlington has voted to create a dog park as part of a large recreational area they're building on a former dump

Brookline has voted to allow leash-free hours in their parks every morning from 5 - 7 a.m.

The Beacon Hill Dog Owners' Group worked with the city to have leash-free hours on the Boston Common from 5 - 7 a.m.

Newton city officials are studying dog parks in their town

The number of licensed dogs in Boston is 8,500; Animal Control estimates the total number of dogs in the city is 40,000. It's time that they had a place where they can get the off-leash exercise they need to be happy, healthy members of the community.