Bend Police to crack down on off-leash dogs

The Bend Police Department and Bend Park and Recreation District reminded citizens Thursday that dogs must be on-leash in the city limits, except in the seven designated off-leash areas owned and managed by the park district. And the police department said it plans to boost enforcement of the off-leash law.

“Off-leash areas are located throughout the community and provide a variety of opportunities for dogs and people to recreate” stated Jan Taylor, community relations manager for Bend Park & Recreation District, in a joint news release.

Shevlin Park, and the Deschutes River Trail as it exists within the city limits, are not designated off-leash areas and by law, dogs must be leashed in those areas., they said.

“Though we hope that people will do the right thing and abide by city ordinances, an increase in dogs being let off-leash in parks and around town has resulted in a need to increase enforcement,” said Bend police Lt. Paul Kansky.

First-time citations are $330.

Other related rules pertaining to off-leash areas forbid aggressive dogs from visiting off-leash parks and require that dog owners dispose of dog feces in appropriate receptacles.

“Park use rules exist to keep everyone safe and able to enjoy their day in the park,” Taylor said.

Bend’s Off-leash Areas
Dogs must be on-leash until they enter the designated park area. For a description of Bend’s Off-leash Areas, go to www.bendparksandrec.org.

1. Big Sky Park, 21690 Neff Rd.
2. Riverbend Park (water access), 799 SW Columbia St.
3. Ponderosa Park, 225 SE 15th St.
4. Awbrey Reservoir, NW 10th and Trenton
5. Pine Nursery Park, 3750 NE Purcell Rd.
6. Overturf Butte Reservoir, Skyliner Summit Loop
7. Hollinshead Park, 1235 NE Jones Rd.

For information on City of Bend ordinances, go to www.bendoregon.gov. For information on Bend Park & Recreation District ordinances, rules and regulations, park locations and information, go to www.bendparksandrec.org.