DENVER — Rangers with Denver Parks and Recreation are going into spring and summertime with a renewed push to take on off-leash dogs in action to growing problems and events from homeowners.
The brand-new method this year consists of using “group ranger dog leash patrols,” sending out several rangers to parks at different dates and times to inform and implement Denver’s leash law.
Park Ranger Supervisor Jessica Johnson said the modification in strategy is being executed this year to avoid dog owners who breaking the law from darting at the sight of a single ranger approaching.
“We wanted to talk to the people, and wanted to be able to connect with them or do enforcement as well,” Johnson said. “So, it’s been a really good change to see people’s attitudes, and people say, “Oh no, there’s eight rangers walking towards me, I have to stop,” compared to one truck driving in and then everybody kind of fleeing the area.”
Since the group patrols started 2 months earlier, Johnson said they have actually gotten more than 200 problems for dogs off leash, and have actually released 100 citations. Of the more than 200 problems got, Johnson approximates 15 to 20 percent have actually consisted of an injuries to dogs or individuals.
“We’re seeing a lot of dog bites and dogs going to the vet, and unfortunately people getting bit too,” Johnson said. “So, it has been a big problem.”
The group patrols will take part in both education of the leash law, and enforcement at the discretion of the rangers. Citations can bring a $100 fine on a very first offense, and increasing fines as much as $999 for repeat offenses.
Many Denver7 viewers tell us they’ve felt annoyed or risky being approached by off-leash dogs at the park, and wish to see more enforcement of the law.
“It has to be inclusive for everybody in the park, from your grandmother to your toddler to your newborn baby. We can’t just have dogs running around the parks all the time, when we have a family picnic, say, just sitting out here in the park and a dog runs through and ruins their family picnic,” Johnson said. “We have to make sure that it’s inclusive for all at all times.”
There are numerous dog parks throughout Denver which do enable off-leash play. A map of areas can be discovered on the city of Denver’s website.
