Fowler Municipal Code Ch. 2 Leash

FREE DOG PARK AREA REGULATIONS

(a) The enclosed (fenced) dog park areas at Donny Wright Park are designated as leash free (off-leash) dog park areas. Additional leash free (off-leash) dog park areas may be designated by City Council ordinance or resolution. Use of any leash free dog park area is subject to rules and regulations adopted by City Council ordinance or resolution.

(b) Signs listing the primary rules and reference to any applicable City ordinance and/or resolution shall be posted at any leash free dog area. The failure of a rule or regulation to be included on a posted sign shall not preclude the enforcement of the rule or regulation.

(c) Use of any leash free dog park area where dogs run at large and are not leashed represents a hazardous recreational activity to all persons using or present at any leash free dog park area. Additionally, despite the rule requiring dog owners/handlers to clean up after their dog(s), the ground in the leash free dog area may be uneven as a result of, among other things, digging or dog toys or other debris left in the leash free dog area. The City of Fowler will not be liable for injuries to any person participating in such hazardous recreational activity by use or presence at any leash free dog park area.

(Ord. No. 2020-02, § 3, 4-21-2020

Failure to observe and abide by the following rules and regulations, or any unauthorized use of or activities in any leash free dog park area, is unlawful and such violation(s) are enforceable by any means.

(a) Dog owners are legally responsible for their dog(s) and any damage and/or injuries caused by their dog(s). Use of the leash free dog area is at owner's risk, and the dog owner shall be legally responsible for dog bites by their dog.

(b) Dog handlers must be at least eighteen (18) years old and capable of handling and controlling any dog under their care or custody in the leash free dog area.

(c) Dogs shall not be left unattended in the leash free dog area. Handlers must remain with their dog(s) at all times in the leash free dog area.

(d) Dog(s) under the age of four (4) months are prohibited in any leash free dog area.

(e) All dogs must have current vaccinations as required in section 6-1.501 of the Fowler Municipal Code.

(f) All dogs must be licensed as required in sections 6-1.201 and 6-1.202 of the Fowler Municipal Code. All licenses must be on the dogs' collar and the collar must be on the dog at all times.

(g) Female dogs in season or in heat are not allowed within any leash free dog area.

(h) Owners/handlers may not have more than three (3) dogs with them in the leash free dog area at any given time.

(i) Dogs must be escorted to and from the leash free dog area on a leash which does not exceed six (6) feet in length.

(j) Owners/handlers are responsible for cleaning up after their dog(s), and properly disposing of any feces from their dogs in the receptacles provided in or around the leash free dog area.

(k) No aggressive dogs are allowed within any leash free dog area. A dog displaying aggressive behavior towards any person or other dog must be immediately removed from the park by its handler for the remainder of that day.

(l) Children under the age of ten (10) are prohibited in any leash free dog area at all times. Children between the ages of ten (10) and fourteen (14) are prohibited in any leash free dog area unless accompanied by an adult.

(m) Sports activities, bicycles, picnics, and similar activities are prohibited in any leash free dog area.

(n) The City of Fowler reserves the right to close any leash free dog area at any time.

(o) Violators of any rules or regulations applicable to any leash free dog area may be removed from the park and park privileges may be suspended.

(Ord. No. 2020-02, § 3, 4-21-2020)