Off-leash Dogs are a Privilege, Not a Right

[Nance WDOG]

Having your dog off-leash is a privilege, not a right. There are rules (laws) and responsibilities that come with that privilege.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING MUNICIPAL, CODE CHAPTER 5.03 (ANIMAL'S IN PARKS),AMENDED
THE CITY OF CORVALLIS ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Municipal Code Section 5.03.050.080.04 is hereby amended to read as follows:

5.03.050.080.04      Dogs off-leash in parks.
     1 ) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Municipal Code, dogs are allowed in the
     following parks in special use areas designated for dogs off-leash as long as the owner is
     physically present with the dog and the dog is under the owner's control:

When a dog is out of the owner's line of sight and/or is not under voice control, it is in violation of the Municipal Code.

If another person in the Park requests a dog owner leash their dog while near them, the correct/only response is to call your dog to your side while that person passes. Briefly leashing the dog as needed. The parks are for everyone to enjoy, even the parks with off-leash areas. No one user group supersedes another.

If your dog has shown aggressive tendencies toward other dogs, your dog needs to be leashed when near other dogs in the park. Be responsible, pay attention to the signs your dog is sending. If wearing headphones, one earbud should be out while in the park.

If your dog has attacked another dog, it is your responsibility to make sure that dog has not been injured or is in need of medical attention. Do the right thing, leaving the scene without passing on your name and number is wrong. Think of it as a "hit & run."

The irresponsible actions and rudeness of a few people negatively impact all dog owners. We are all guests in the parks and should act appropriately. Dog Owners are the largest user group in the park system.  They use the parks year round from dawn to dark. Based on the number of dogs using the parks system, the number of attacks or fights are incredibly low. It is the dog owner's responsibility to prevent conflicts with others. These are not bad dogs, they are lazy or entitled owners.

No dog owner wants to lose the off-leash areas. We fought long and hard to get them. Dog bites and fights can quickly lead to the end of off-leash areas.  I would like to think that all WDOG members are leading by example. Please continue to be responsible dog owners. Speak out when needed. Share this information with others where appropriate.

~Nance WDOG

The following information is from the City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation Department:

Canines may romp off-leash with their owners in the designated off-leash areas of these parks:

Corvallis **Fenced** Dog Park - entire enclosed area at 3rd & B Streets
Bald Hill Park - areas north and west of the barn ONLY
Chip Ross Park - entire park is off-leash
Martin Luther King Jr. Park  - open fields south of the multi-modal path, EXCEPT ball fields
Willamette Park - entire park EXCEPT sports fields, playground and shelter areas
Woodland Meadow Park - west side of the park ONLY
Crystal Lake Sports Fields - turf areas from November to March ONLY; dogs must be on leash near the boat ramp

Most off-leash areas are not fenced; for their safety, make sure your dogs are well trained before taking them to an off-leash park.

Owner's please note that only one of Corvallis off-leash areas is fenced. For everyone's safety, only dogs that will respond to voice control and reliably return to their owners should be allowed off-leash in the non-fenced parks. Parking lots are not considered part of the off-leash areas.

If your dog has previously displayed dog, human, or wildlife aggression, please do not allow your dog off-leash in ANY Corvallis park.

Dogs are NOT permitted in these Corvallis parks, even when on leash:
Central Park
Chintimini Park
Franklin Square Park
Lily Park
Washington Park (dogs prohibited in the playground area only, otherwise allowed on leash)

In all other Corvallis parks, dogs must be leashed and under control. In all Corvallis parks, owners should keep in mind:

Picking up after your dog is required per Municipal Code 5.03.050.080.04.
Respect other park users by preventing your dog from jumping on, barking at, or otherwise harassing patrons.
Display license, vaccination, and owner contact information tags on your dog's collar.
Because dogs under 4 months old are vulnerable to injury & illness, they are not appropriate for off-leash areas.
Do not bring females "in heat" to off-leash areas.
For safety, do not bring more than 3 dogs per person to an off-leash area.
Do not allow your dog to dig holes on City property.

Thank you for your cooperation.