Dog park OK'd, but issues remain

DOWNEY - Preliminary plans for a dog park in Downey have been approved, but still to be determined is a final set of park rules and how those policies will be enforced.The 75-ft. by 210-ft. dog park will be located on the northeastern edge of Rio San Gabriel Park, adjacent to the San Gabriel River bike path. A perimeter fence would enclose the dog park where pets could run and exercise without a leash. Trash cans and bags for clean-up would be provided. Preliminary rules would require all dogs to be licensed and vaccinated, and pet owners must clean up after their dogs. Also not allowed will be dogs less than four months old, and dogs that are in heat, sick or have internal or external parasites (such as fleas, ticks or worms). The city, however, still needs to decide how park rules will be enforced. Councilman Roger Brossmer expressed support for a dog park but said he was concerned about aggressive dogs. Police were called to remove aggressive pit bulls at the Relay for Life fundraiser held earlier this month, Brossmer said. "I'm all for the Lassies of the world," he added. "But I'm worried about vicious dogs." Details on final park rules and how they will be enforced will be brought back before the Council, City Manager Gerald Caton said Tuesday. The dog park is expected to cost $35,000, paid out of the city's General Fund. -Eric Pierce, City Editor

********** Published: June 24, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 10