‘We try and lead with education first’: BPRD reminds spring park, trail users of the rules about keeping dogs on leashes

(Update: Adding video, comments from dog owner, BPRD staff)

Park stewards seek 'positive reinforcement' - but also say fines, exclusion or charges are possible

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – As Bend's parks and trails get busier with warmer days, the Bend Park and Recreation District is sending out reminders about leash requirements. 

"Our park steward team, we work and we patrol all the parks," Park Steward Joel Lee said Tuesday. "We try and lead with education first."

 Keeping dogs on a leash provides safety benefits -- whether to avoid accidents or injuries. 

Dogs not on a leash in BPRD parks and on trails not designated as off-leash areas are one of the most frequent issues raised by park and trail users. 

"We get a lot of reports about it," Lee said. "Generally we don't get called when it actually happens, we get it after the fact. I would say maybe once every couple of weeks, we're at least getting notified about an aggressive dog or a dog attack."

Dogs are also required by Bend city ordinance to be on leash in any public area, except in designated off-leash areas. 

There are possible enforcement steps in place -- a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $250 fine, and being held responsible for a dog's actions in civil or criminal cases. 

Dog owner Buck Sherman said, "Out in an empty park like this, I think it's just as open as an off-leash park."

For a Prineville resident visiting Bend, he thinks a dog should be on a leash around a lot of people. 

Sherman said, "When there's a lot of people around, control of your animals is important. So if they're not well enough trained with a good recall, then I think they should be on a leash. Whether that be along a retractable one or a short leash. I really think there should at least be the option of having it with you."

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas, including Alpenglow Community Park, Discovery Park, Riverbend Park and Ponderosa Park. 

Lee said, "Bend is a dog community. We all love dogs, too. It's just important for the safety of patrons and the safety of your dog and other dogs that dogs are on leash, so we can all enjoy the parks."

  For a full list of off-leash areas for you and your furry friends to play around at, you can visit the website -- DogPac.org. 

Here is the BPRD release:

Bend's parks and trails are already getting plenty busy this spring, so the Bend Park and Recreation District is reminding pet owners about its leash requirements and the safety benefits of keeping dogs on a leash.

Instances of off-leash dogs in BPRD parks and on trails that are not designated off-leash areas are one of the most frequent issues raised by park and trail users, the park district said in Thursday's reminder.

The BPRD park stewardship team said it has been busy this spring with reminders about the important safety reasons for leashing furry best friends. The team aims for positive reinforcement, while also reminding community members about the rules.

“While it’s tempting to view all open grass areas as off-leash dog play areas, it’s not safe for other park users,” said Jeff Hagler, BPRD park stewardship manager. “Off-leash dogs can easily get in another user’s way on a trail and cause an accident or injuries. Off-leash dogs can instigate aggression problems or fights with leashed dogs and encounters with children or adults who are allergic or fearful can be terrifying even with ‘friendly’ dogs.”

Dogs are required by city ordinance to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend except in designated off-leash areas. The spring engagement campaign aims to inform community members about the possible enforcement actions that can include a 30-day exclusion from park district property and/or a $250 fine and being held responsible for a dog’s actions in civil or criminal cases.

Leash rules also apply while walking to a dog park from the entrance or a parking lot. Unleashed dogs running from a vehicle can create safety concerns for the dog, as well as for others, especially in busy parks such as Ponderosa, Big Sky and Pine Nursery parks.

Additionally, dog owners are to clean up after their dog. To help out, dog waste bags and trash receptacles are available at many Bend parks and trails.

BPRD has nine dog off-leash areas in local parks, including:

• Alpenglow Community Park (61049 SE 15th St.) 3.9 acres, fenced with small dog area and agility amenities.
• Big Sky Park (21690 Neff Rd) 5 acres, fenced.
• Discovery Park (1315 NW Discovery Park Drive) 1.6 acres, fenced.
• Riverbend Park (799 SW Columbia St) 1.1 acres, fenced with river access and small dog area.
• Ponderosa Park (225 SE 15th St) 2.9 acres, fenced with small dog area.
• Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area at Pine Nursery Park (NE Purcell Rd) 18.8 acres, fenced with seasonal splash pad and small dog park.
• Hollinshead Park (1235 NE Jones Rd) 3.7 acres, unfenced.
• Overturf Butte Reservoir (Skyliner Summit Loop) 4.6 acres, fenced.
• Awbrey Reservoir (NW 10th and Trenton) 5 acres, partially fenced (not fully enclosed). Note: acreage is approximate.

Off-leash area etiquette includes only visiting with vaccinated, non-aggressive pets. Also, please don’t allow children to ride bikes or play on agility course equipment located in the dog parks.

Learn more on the Dogs in Parks web page.