Fullerton Municipal Code Ch. 9.16 Dog Parks

The City Council finds and declares that the purpose of this chapter is to promote the public peace, morals, health, safety and general welfare of persons and property in the city by regulating the activity of those bringing dogs to city dog parks.

(Ord. 3207, passed - -2013)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

AGGRESSION or AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR. Includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors: snapping, snarling, lunging, ferocious growling and/or barking and biting.

CERTIFIED SERVICE DOG. Refers to a dog that has received specialized training to provide its owner with assistive services.

DOG PARK or PARK. Refers to any city property that has been designated by the city or by the City Parks and Recreation Department as an area where the public can recreate with their dogs, off leash and within an enclosed space.

HANDLER. The person who brought the dog to the park, and may include the dog’s owner.

OWNER. The person or persons listed as such on the dog’s license or license application.

PARK STAFF. Any city peace officer, park ranger or employee of the Parks and Recreation Department, or any city employee authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, park staff shall include dog park volunteers.

PINCH COLLARS. Refers to dog collars that contain prongs designed to pinch the dog when an attached leash is pulled.

POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG. As defined in Cal. Food and Agricultural Code § 31602.

SHOCK COLLARS. Refers to dog collars that are capable of delivering an electrical shock to the dog.

SPIKED COLLARS. Refers to dog collars that have spikes or spike-like protrusions attached to the collar and that would be capable of injuring dogs or humans.

VICIOUS DOG. As defined in Cal. Food and Agricultural Code § 31603.

(Ord. 3207, passed - -2013)

The following regulations shall apply for all dog parks.

(A) Owners and/or handlers are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries and/or damage caused by them.

(B) Dogs with spiked, pinch and/or shock collars shall not enter the park.

(C) All dogs must have current licenses and required vaccinations, and be wearing a flat collar with a visible county registration dog tag.

(D) Dogs must be taken off-leash upon entering the enclosed area.

(E) Designated areas for small and large dogs: Dogs weighing less than 25 pounds shall only be in the area designated for small dogs, and dogs weighing 25 pounds or more shall only be in the area designated for large dogs. Large breed puppies up to 40 pounds shall be allowed in the small dog area.

(F) The “wood chip” area is open to all dogs.

(G) Certified service dogs of any size are exempt from dog size restrictions and are allowed in any part of the park.

(H) Puppies under six months old are not permitted inside the park. This is for the health and safety of the puppy.

(I) Dogs in heat, pregnant or lactating are not permitted inside the park.

(J) Dogs showing aggression toward people or other animals shall be immediately removed from the park by the owner or handler. Dogs known to park staff to exhibit aggressive behavior are not permitted within the park.

(K) Dogs that have been declared potentially dangerous or vicious by any jurisdiction are not permitted inside the park.

(L) Dogs must be on a leash when entering and exiting the park, including within the parking lot. Leashes must be removed once the dog is in the off-leash areas.

(M) Digging is not permitted anywhere in the park. Owners or handlers are responsible to fill any holes dug by their dog.

(N) Dogs must not be left in a vehicle without their owner or handler at any time.

(O) Abandonment of dogs is prohibited.

(P) Handlers must be at least 16 years of age. Visitors under 16 are not permitted in the park without a supervising adult and must stay within arm’s reach of their supervising adult.

(Q) Children under eight years of age are not permitted in the off-leash areas. This is for the child’s safety.

(R) Handlers may not bring more than three dogs at any one time to the dog park.

(S) Handlers must stay within the park and supervise their dogs at all times and may not leave their dogs in the park unattended at any time.

(T) Handlers must keep close visual contact with their dogs and be aware of their actions at all times. Dog handlers must remain in a “hands-free” condition and capable at all times to use both hands to control their dog.

(U) Handlers must have one leash in their possession for every dog they bring to the park. Retractable leashes and leashes longer than six feet are not permitted.

(V) Handlers must remove and properly dispose of all dog waste in the provided receptacles.

(W) The off-leash dog areas are for dogs, their handlers and those accompanying them. No other use is permitted.

(X) The following items are prohibited in the off-leash areas:

(1) Strollers;

(2) Laptops;

(3) Scooters;

(4) Bicycles;

(5) Roller skates;

(6) Skateboards;

(7) Children’s toys, including, but not limited to, water squirting toys;

(8) All food and drink, except bottled water and water for the dogs; and

(9) Any items that distract handlers from supervising their dog(s).

(Y) Climbing on trees, fences and benches is prohibited.

(Z) Any handler who violates the provisions of this chapter, or who permits any dog to be in violation of the provisions of this chapter, may be ordered by park staff to remove the dog from the park. Any handler who fails to immediately remove a dog following an order to do so shall be subject to the provisions of § 9.16.040.

(AA) Any additional site specific posted rules/ regulations must be adhered to.

(Ord. 3207, passed - -2013)

(A) Any violation of this chapter shall be deemed to be an infraction and punishable as such; however, at the discretion of the City or District Attorney, the violation of any section of this chapter may be filed as a misdemeanor. The complaint charging such violation shall specify whether the violation is a misdemeanor or an infraction. Each day that a violation of any provision of this chapter continues shall be considered a new and separate violation. A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a nuisance and may be abated by the city through civil process by means of restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction, or in any other manner provided by law for the abatement of such nuisances.

(B) Notwithstanding the above, if an owner or handler brings a dog to the park that the owner or handler knows or should reasonably have known has been declared potentially dangerous or vicious in any jurisdiction, and that dog, due to its aggressive behavior, causes an injury to, or death of, another dog or a person, the owner or handler of the dog shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Nothing in this division (B) shall be construed to mean that such an owner or handler shall not be liable pursuant to state law.

(C) Any handler or owner who repeatedly violates the provisions of this chapter may be prohibited from bringing any dog to the dog park for a period of up to 12 months from the date of the most recent violation.

(Ord. 3207, passed - -2013)