Killing prompts review of Bend off-leash dog areas

Bend Park and Rec District officials said Thursday they are considering making changes to dog parks following an attack that killed a dog at Pine Nursery’s off-leash dog park.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s said a small Papillon was killed by an American Bulldog in the park’s grassy field Tuesday afternoon.

Parks Services Director Pat Erwert said park officials will meet with dog owners and groups next week to discuss potential changes and improvements to all of the parks.

He said there’s a good chance a small-dog area will be added to Pine Nursery. He also said a small dog run was included in the original plans for the park, but was not constructed.

“We want to make sure that whatever we do fits the needs of the people who want this,” Erwert said. “So like our planning for any park or trail, we’d like to get some input.”

Erwert said after the park district gets feedback from dog owners, they’ll decide what improvements can be made.

Bend Park and Rec maintains seven off-leash dog parks in Bend. The only one with separate areas for big and little dogs is at Riverbend Park.

Erwert said another new dog park in NorthWest Crossing will open next year.