The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board decided not to launch a pilot program for owners to exercise their dogs off-leash in Fanto and Jenkins Ranch parks after surveying residents.
Opponents to the pilot program voiced many safety concerns Wednesday about allowing residents to exercise their dogs off-leash in parks where many children play. The Parks and Recreation Department also sent notices to all residents around the parks inviting them to take an online survey, and a majority of the respondents did not support the proposed program.
The board decided that they would look at other areas where dogs could be exercised off-leash in the future but did not name any specific areas.
“It doesn’t make any sense to mix the dogs and the kids in the same area,” said Lucas LaFrance, a resident.
His wife, Jennifer LaFrance, described how her son had been bitten by a pit bull that broke his arm and caused multiple infections.
“I feel like a lot of owners in Durango don’t really take charge of their dogs,” said Ezra LaFrance, who was bitten.
Fanto Park, next to Park Elementary, and Jenkins Ranch Park, in Skyridge, are heavily used by families and those who like to exercise their dogs off-leash.
Residents in Skyridge and parents of children at Park Elementary School thought launching the pilot program would be caving to those who are actively breaking the city’s leash law.
Sarah Bong said out-of-control dogs were already present at Fanto.
“Those aren’t things we can opt out of,” she said.
More active enforcement of the leash law was also raised as a need, and the board agreed. But the members did not float any immediate ideas on how to fund more animal-control officers.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
