Pit bulls and children under 12 will be banned from Cottonwood Riverfront Dog Park according to a new law passed unanimously by the Cottonwood City Council on Feb. 16.
The bans are just two of several new rules proposed for the park by Community Services General Manager Richard Faust.
In the 15 months since the dog park opened, aggressive dogs and negligent dog owners have been reported to Cottonwood Police Department, but current laws do not provide police with the enforcement tools they need to resolve the problems, according to Faust.
Currently, city ordinances only require dogs to be on a leash at all times except when participating in an obedience class. Dog owners must also clean up their animals’ excrement.
Faust said CPD and city parks and recreation staff agree the more detailed, specific set of rules was needed in addition to the existing prohibitions.
Under the law, children younger than 12 are no longer allowed at the park. Those older than 12, but younger than 15, must be accompanied by an adult.
All dogs that use the park must have up-to-date vaccinations and licenses displayed on visible tags and collars. All dogs must be at least 4 months old and must not be sick.
No more than two dogs per person will be allowed in the off-leash area at the park.
Dogs will have to be accompanied by their owners at all times.
Choke, pronged and spike collars are also now prohibited.
Dog owners will be required to remove their dog from the park at the first sign of aggressiveness.
In addition to any penalty available under state law, violation of the ordinance will be punishable by a fine of at least $50 but not more than $300, the Cottonwood Municipal Code states.
Greg Ruland can be reached at 634-8551 or e-mail
gruland@larsonnewspapers.com
