Oct 15 2009
Waterfront Committee Discuss Dogs at the Bulb
Interesting and Important Read!
Discussion regarding Albany’s Waterfront include:
Observations – walking dogs has become one, if not the, primary user activity at the Waterfront – observations indicate that most dogs are off-leash – people love walking their dogs at the Waterfront; while others avoid the area because they are uncomfortable (I’m assuming they are referring to off-leash dogs); Cleaning up after dogs-some complaints about inconsistent cleaning up.
Questions being addressed regarding these observations
Should policies include all kinds of Waterfront park visitors?
Should policies recognize existing conditions and provide more amenities for dog owners?
Should commercial dog walking be allowed at Waterfront?
Should there be seasonal or year round exclusion of dogs from sensitive bird habitat areas?
Should there be specific off-leash dog areas?
Should there be “dog free zones”?
Discussion of Enforcement
Enforcement difficult with two jurisdictions, both with different rules regarding on-leash vs off-leash
Jurisdictional boundaries are not clear-cut in the field – to users and enforcers
Alternatives to think about
Leash/Dog Regulations
Retain existing city rules: dogs off-leash under proper control (no change)
Create uniform dog leash regulations (need to amend city regulations regarding designate specific areas for dogs Dogs On Leash, Off Leash, No Dogs for specific areas – Beach, Plateau, Neck, Parking lot, Cove.
Seasonal exclusion from sensitive bird habitat (seasonal flyway October-March) Year round exclusion form sensitive bird habitat.
Limit days/hours for dogs
Create fenced area on Bulb for dogs off-leash; other areas become on-leash or “no dogs”.
There is much more to read including the issue of Commercial Dog Walking – if Albany should adopt commercial dog walking regulations similar to EBRPD and the enforcement of policies.
Visit Albany City Website – Waterfront Committee – Agendas & Minutes
