The petition
Petition for Enclosed Dog Recreation Spaces in Boston, Spring 2007 directed to:
Commissioner Antonia Pollack, Boston Parks Department; Mike Ross, Council District 8; Mayor Thomas Menino; City of Boston and other interested City Officials.
This petition, supported by the undersigned constituents of the City of Boston, is directed to Commissioner Antonia Pollack, Boston Parks Department; Councilor Mike Ross, Council District 8; Mayor Thomas Menino, City of Boston and other City Officials.
Its goal is to support the immediate designation and construction of a fenced, off-leash dog recreational space as described and mandated by City of Boston Municipal Code 11-10.2 Dog Recreational Spaces, to compensate for the loss due to proposed restoration of the Boston Common Parade Grounds and termination of the off-leash dog recreational program, upon which many taxpaying citizens and their dogs are completely dependent.
Further, this petition’s goal is to support the designation and construction of off-leash dog recreational spaces in neighborhoods throughout the City of Boston.
We, the undersigned constituents of the City of Boston, respectfully urge you to consider the following facts:
1. With the Boston Commons Parade Ground off-limits to dogs, local dog owners have no designated space in which to legally, practically, and safely exercise their pets. Just as other taxpayers enjoy numerous convenient public recreational spaces such as swimming pools, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, children’s playgrounds, and paths for jogging, rollerblading, and bicycling, dog owners need a place to exercise and enjoy their pets in a clean, safe off-leash environment.
2. In designating and creating a dog recreational space, we hope to accomplish multiple goals:
a. To establish a fenced-in, off-leash dog recreational space where well-behaved dogs can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering people, property, wildlife, or themselves.
b. To develop a well-maintained space, open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the space’s rules and restrictions.
c. To view this dog recreational space as a community project, in partnership with the City of Boston, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.
3. The immediate designation and creation of a dog recreational space will benefit the City of Boston in the following ways:
a. Given the existence of a protected, legal space in which dogs may be off-leash, the incidences of dogs off-leash in unsanctioned areas will diminish, resulting in increased safety for the dogs, their owners, and their neighbors.
b. Most dogs require exercise that leash restrictions do not permit. Veterinarians will testify that dogs are social animals whose physical and mental health is maintained by interaction with other dogs. Exercised, socialized dogs are calmer and better behaved, significantly reducing nuisance barking and other potentially annoying behaviors.
c. In providing a congregation point for people of like interests, the dog recreational space will foster and build bonds within the human community.
d. Dog recreational space patrons appreciate their space and take "ownership interest” in it. Their constant presence in and use of the space helps prevent criminal activities in the area.
e. Dog recreational space patrons also want to ensure a clean space for themselves and all dogs attending. Owners watch for and pick up after their animals and remind visitors to do the same. Once the off-leash dog recreational space is designated and constructred, the undersigned and creators of this petition do commit ourselves to its continued maintenance (e.g. organized, periodic cleanup efforts).
We, the undersigned constituents of the City of Boston, request the City of Boston to immediately authorize adequate funding to provide materials necessary for a dog recreational space in the City, including appropriate fencing, a double gated entry to prevent dogs from bolting; lighting; ground cover such as asphalt, concrete, plant material, or mulch; water availability; lidded garbage cans; bag stations; benches; and signage so that this park can be constructed as quickly as possible. The dog recreational space must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Again, we urge you to consider the immediate designation and construction of a fenced, “off-leash” dog recreational space in the City of Boston.
The Petition to Commissioner Pollack, Boston Parks Department; Councilor Mike Ross, Council District 8; Mayor Thomas Menino; City of Boston and other interested City Officials was created by and written by Jenna Blum of www.bostonDOG.org.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Sign the petition
Fields marked * are required.