Local governments going to the dogs
As more local governments open dog parks in their communities, many of them are sharing their experiences on an online forum maintained by the Washington-based International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Topics include design, liability and breed exclusions.
Almost all of the communities on the forum require licenses for the dogs at the park. Officials in Greenville, N.C., make it clear that park users assume risk, and dog handlers are responsible for the actions of their animals. While the city bans dogs based on behavior only, Salina, Kan., does not allow American pit bull terriers in its 13,500-square-foot, fenced-in park. Some communities charge fees to use the park, others do not.
The forum is available at www.forums.icma.org.
