PAWS PARK IN CHICAGO

PAWS PARK IN CHICAGO

To: Alderman Patrick. O'Connor of Chicago 40th Ward and the River Park
Officials

This Petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Alderman of
the 40th Ward in Chicago, River Park Managers, and other interested City
Officials. Its goal is to support the construction of an enclosed dog
friendly area at River Park, which is located at Francisco Street and the
river. Currently in the Chicago land area, there are such parks constructed
at Wrigley Field, Hamlin, Wicker, Margate, Walsh, and Coliseum Parks.
Churchill Park and recently approved Challenger Park is in development stages
and Winnemac Dog Park has a petition in the works. Our community has
expressed such a need for a pet friendly area.

The Chicago city ordinance mandates dogs to be kept on a leash in public
areas for protection of fellow residents, as well as the dogs themselves. As
you are aware, several dog parks (listed above) have been constructed over
the years to provide a safe place for the dogs to gather and play legally
"off -leash." Unfortunately, there is not one of these dog friendly areas
near River Park.

THEREFORE, WE ARE ASKING THE CITY OF CHICAGO TO CONSTRUCT A DOG FRIENDLY AREA
AT RIVER PARK FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

*There is no facility in our area (similar to those mentioned above) to
accommodate safe, "off leash" activity. Off-leash dogs infringe on rights of
residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may
be fearful of dogs.

*Chapter VII, Section B10a states: (1) Chicago Park Districts Code requires
dogs to be on a leash at all times. This limits the amount of exercise a dog
can receive. Many dog owners will be ticketed in order to allow their dogs
the chance to run off leash in relative safety.

*Some individuals use the area along the river as a place to deposit their
biological waste, another possible source for disease. By their mere
presences, groups of dog owners (and their dogs) will help deter crime, and fr
equently act as the eyes and ears for the police.

*Sometimes people are reluctant or afraid to approach or converse with a
complete stranger, a dog friendly area brings people together and creates a
greater sense of community. Dogs help shy people "break the ice." People's
love for dogs often creates an important common ground. This could
potentially serve to break down otherwise impenetrable social barriers. Dogs
(and dog friendly areas) are in fact responsible for many lasting friendships
between those who might never otherwise have met.

*Off leash areas provide people and dogs an area to exercise, socialize and
recreate. The biggest reason dogs get into the shelter system is due to
behavior problems, lack of socialization and lack of exercise.

The proposed location for the dog friendly area is an under utilized area
near the river of the park. ONCE CONSTRUCTED, THE UNDERSIGNED DOG OWNERS
SUPPORT AND AGREE TO ADHERE TO THE GUIDELINES OF THE DOG FRIENDLY AREA AND
WILL PARTICIPATE IN MAINTAINING IT AS NECESSARY(E.G. ORGANIZED , PERIODIC ,
CLEANUP EFFERTS). ADDITIONALLY, SUCH DOGS OWNERS UNDERSTAND AND WILL OBEY THE
RULES AND REGULATIONS OUTLINED BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

Paws Park Advisory Subcommittee agrees to enforce the guidelines set forth
and patrol this area. We will continue to educate and inform people about
responsible dog guardianship. Our neighborhood needs a place to socialize
and exercise out dogs so that they may interact peacefully in the community.

The undersigned agree to adhere to the following rules and regulations when a
dog friendly area is constructed:

*Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by
their dogs.

*Owners must remain within the fence area at all times.

*Dogs must be leashed prior to entering and upon leaving the area. Gates to
the area must
remain closed.

*Owners must cleanup after their dogs. Failure to do so can result in a fine
up to $500.00.

*Dogs with a known history of, or who exhibit, dangerous behavior will be
prohibited.

*Dogs must be healthy, fully immunized, be-wormed, licensed and wear ID tags.
For
safety reasons, please remove pinch (prong) spike collars from your dog
prior to
entering the dog friendly area. Many dogs and puppies have been injured by
playing
with other dog who was wearing a pinch collar.

*An adult must accompany children under 12 years of age: Parents are strongly
discouraged from bringing toddlers and small children to the pet friendly
area.

*Puppies under four months old, and females in heat are prohibited.

*Dogs must be watched at all times.

*Cooperation between dog owners is essential.

In addition, we strongly encourage people to refrain from dog grooming and
bringing rawhides or food into the dog friendly area because dog fights may
result.

AGAIN, WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION IN CONSTURCTING AN ENCLOSED DOG PARK
IN RIVER PARK. Animals have a special place in many of our hearts and we
should all support their need to have a special place that is safe and
friendly. Thank-you