HomeMy WebLinkAboutOct 15 Dogs on Leash PR
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Debbie Townsend, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • dtownsend@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reminder: Dogs Must Be On Leash in Edina Parks
Edina, Minn., Oct. 15, 2018 – Pet owners who wish to let their dogs off leash are reminded to
use the fenced-in dog park at Van Valkenburg Park. That is the only year-round park area in Edina
where people can legally let their dogs off leash.
Parks & Recreation staff are fielding increased complaints from residents and responsible dog owners
about unleashed dogs in City parks and people not picking up their pets' waste. To address these
problems, the City is launching an education and enforcement campaign.
Off-leash dogs in parks and open public spaces present a number of problems, including disturbing
wildlife and jumping on people. Leashed dogs often feel threatened by a dog running loose, which
could lead to a fight.
Even if a dog is obedient and responds to commands, it must be on a leash no more than 10 feet
long. The leash also must be under a person’s control: Letting the dog run loose with the leash
attached to its collar is still a violation.
“Keeping your dog on a leash is not only the law, it’s common courtesy,” said Parks & Recreation
Assistant Director Susan Faus. “We want everyone to feel welcome and safe in our parks and not
have to worry about dogs running loose.”
Parks & Recreation and Animal Control staff members will talk to violators to remind them of the
law. Those wishing to keep dogs off leash will be directed to Van Valkenburg Park, 4935 Lincoln
Drive, and, in warmer months, the ice rink area at Strachauer Park. Off-leash collars, available to
residents for $25 a year, are required on dogs using those areas and can be purchased online at
EdinaMN.gov. Animal Control has the option to issue violators citations that add up to $128 for
having a dog off leash.
Dog owners will also be reminded to pick up pet waste in parks and in the off-leash areas. Leaving a
bag of dog poop by a trail is still a violation, even if you plan to pick it up later. The fine and fees add
up to $128.
To report a dog currently running off leash, call 952-826-1600. To request an Animal Control
Officer patrol at a certain day and time you tend to see a dog owner violating the law, call 952-826-
0494.
-30-