In today’s (June 29, 2008) New York Times, Diana Marszalek reports on New Rochelle’s new dog run and Ward Acres licensing and fees:
“If the city can get away with charging money to walk a dog on a leash at Ward Acres, then why can’t they do that at Hudson Park and Twin Lakes Park in front of the high school?” said Jeffrey P. Wiegand, a resident of New Rochelle who is part of the group fighting the city.
“That’s not what our city is supposed to be about,” he said.
Read the complete article here: New 3-Acre Dog Run Doesn’t Please Owners
We thank the New York Times for covering this controversy.
Regarding the city’s argument that dogs are not permitted in any city parks (the claim is false in practice, notice the lawyer’s use of “technically”), why was there was a municipal sign at the Ward Acres entrance, for years, telling people to keep their dogs on leashes? $100 per dog seems out of line for something “technical.” (Whatever THAT means!)
Dog owners are being forced to pay $50 or $100 per dog to buy themselves out of some technicality? We don’t “get it.”
FYI, go to the park in front of the High School (and other city parks) and hang out a bit and you will find people currently walking their dogs on leashes with no interference by the city.
The city unfairly tries to justify its fees by invoking a law it does not enforce. (Even if the city were to enforce its ban, the legal defects of the ordinance would not be remedied. See our During vs the City page.)
Lulu
http://www.WeLoveWardAcres.net