Politics & Government

You be the judge: Dogs at Robson-Harrington Park

Should dogs be allowed off-lease at Robson-Harrington?

UPDATE: This issue will be considered tonight at the San Anselmo Town Council meeting. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall Council Chambers. The rules regarding dogs at Robson-Harrington is the third item on the council's agenda tonight.

The rules that are being considered and are, currently, proposed are:

- Dogs must be leashed at all times, except that dogs can be off-leashed on the lower lawn are at the following times

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  • From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays
  • From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays
- Dogs must be leashed at all times in any area being used during organized children's programs
- Dogs are to be controlled by owners/keepers at all times so as to allow the safe use and enjoyment of others in the park
- Dogs may not interfere with informal recreational activities
- A dog owner, keeper, or guardian must clean up thier dog's waste

 

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At Patch, we strive to let you judge the news for yourself. To that end, whenever possible, we will post videos of hot topics in town, to let you be the judge.

The question of whether dogs should be allowed off leash at Robson-Harrington Park has become a huge issue for the neighborhood. The rules currently state dogs must be leashed whenever there are organized children's activities, and those dogs must be monitored and controlled by their owners.

Neighbors contend, however, the unleashed dogs run wild in the park, making it uncomfortable for park-goers and people walking along the sidewalk. The loud barking and aggressive dogs threaten children and disturb nearby residents, say critics. There also complaints about people failing to pick up after their dogs and dogs tearing up the park grounds.

But the park is relatively unused, except for one group of dog owners who meet daily in the afternoon.

The complaints are falling heavily on their shoulders. The dog owners say their dogs are non-threatening and mellow. The owners contend they clean up after and control their dogs.

The Parks and Recreation Commission originally proposed that dogs be allowed off leash between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - closing. Those rules were amended, however, and the proposed rules going before the Town Council on Aug. 24 would limit off leash dogs from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on the weekends and holidays.

Who's right?

Watch the video at right and judge for yourself, then add your comments below the video!


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