Montavilla Neighborhood Association

Park problems-pets, poop and people

Apr 09, 2000

The nice weather encourages park use by both people and animals. Already complaints are arising about the leash law. At Seawallcrest Park, a three-year-old was knocked down by a pack of dogs playing in the park. The father was distressed by the situation but felt there wasn't much he could do except vent a little at the dog owners.

The Multnomah County Animal Control makes and enforces the laws concerning animals in our county and city parks. If you see an animal with their owner violating an ordinance, you can call Animal Control at 988-PETS(4334) and describe the dog and either the license plate or the address of the owner. They will ticket the offender. It violates Code 13.002 - Animals at Large - if a pet, except for domestic cats, is not on a maximum eight-foot leash when off of the owners premises.

Another violation is failing to remove excrement or solid waste deposited by an animal in any public area. Code 13.303 states that the owners or keepers are responsible to clean up after their pets. Citizens can also register a complaint to Animal Control for this infraction of the law.

This should help clarify the rights and responsibility for this sensative subject concerning the use of city parks by both people and pets.

-Southeast Examiner, April 2000