Off-leash hours

I've been getting a lot of heat (but also support) for publicizing my weblog on these boards. Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more. A large number of dog owners completely disregard the "legal" hours and locations.

I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

http://brooklynparks.blogspot.com

My "opinion" is backed up by the ASPCA, the Humane Society, the AKC, the Center for Disease Control and other, unbiased sources.

All of that doesn't make it right however. Your solution is simply Draconian. Self-policing is the progressive alternative. Work with FIDO to get more volunteer monitors during off-leash hours.

So your arguments for ending the offleash privilege are:

1. It's really popular, and
2. Some people don't follow the rules.

Not sure how to address your first point, but as for the second, I would be in favor of a crackdown on people who abuse the off-leash privileges. If you have a dog offleash outside the offleash areas or outside the designated hours, you should get a ticket. Wouldn't that be a better solution?

ParkAdvocate wrote: Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.

caaahyoko wrote: [quote=ParkAdvocate]Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.
oh man. it's true. the park is full of roving gangs of violent dogs
all grabbing their crotches, full-a-bling and wearing doorags
they're a menace! :shock:

quijibo wrote:
oh man. it's true. the park is full of roving gangs of violent dogs
all grabbing their crotches, full-a-bling and wearing doorags
they're a menace! :shock:

Oh! I just thought the people were getting hairy. You know, as a natural adaptation to protect themselves from the mosquito spraying chemicals.

caaahyoko wrote: [quote=ParkAdvocate]Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.
Hmmm, according to an article by Amy Sacks in the Daily News and reprinted on the FIDO website it's as high as 700:

"Prospect Park Gone To Dogs
By Army Sacks
Daily News, May 11, 2002

On most mornings, Lia Mehos dangles a leash by her side and watches her collie. Lucy, run free and unfettered through the fenceless grassy meadows in Prospect Park.

The 526 acre Brooklyn oasis offers the most generous off-leash privileges of any of the city's parks. Resembling an English countryside more than urban sprawl, the park provides Mehos and hundreds of dog owners the longest off-leash courtesy hours and the largest spaces - including three meadows, where a spring Saturday attracts up to 700 free-range canines. [...]"

Christopher Guest wrote: [quote=caaahyoko][quote=ParkAdvocate]Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.
Hmmm, according to an article by Amy Sacks in the Daily News and reprinted on the FIDO website it's as high as 700:

"Prospect Park Gone To Dogs
By Army Sacks
Daily News, May 11, 2002

On most mornings, Lia Mehos dangles a leash by her side and watches her collie. Lucy, run free and unfettered through the fenceless grassy meadows in Prospect Park.

The 526 acre Brooklyn oasis offers the most generous off-leash privileges of any of the city's parks. Resembling an English countryside more than urban sprawl, the park provides Mehos and hundreds of dog owners the longest off-leash courtesy hours and the largest spaces - including three meadows, where a spring Saturday attracts up to 700 free-range canines. [...]"

Over the course of the day, not at once.

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

ParkAdvocate wrote: I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

you wouldn't be that guy that filled a piece of meat with pins and needles
and left it on the street so that a dog would eat it would you?

WhyFi wrote: [quote=Christopher Guest][quote=caaahyoko][quote=ParkAdvocate]Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.
Hmmm, according to an article by Amy Sacks in the Daily News and reprinted on the FIDO website it's as high as 700:

"Prospect Park Gone To Dogs
By Army Sacks
Daily News, May 11, 2002

On most mornings, Lia Mehos dangles a leash by her side and watches her collie. Lucy, run free and unfettered through the fenceless grassy meadows in Prospect Park.

The 526 acre Brooklyn oasis offers the most generous off-leash privileges of any of the city's parks. Resembling an English countryside more than urban sprawl, the park provides Mehos and hundreds of dog owners the longest off-leash courtesy hours and the largest spaces - including three meadows, where a spring Saturday attracts up to 700 free-range canines. [...]"

Over the course of the day, not at once.
"Over the course of the day" wasn't written anywhere in the article. IF you go to the FIDO website you can read the entire story.

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

quijibo wrote: [quote=ParkAdvocate]I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

you wouldn't be that guy that filled a piece of meat with pins and needles
and left it on the street so that a dog would eat it would you?

You are a very sick person. Where in any of my postings would you get the impression that I was into injuring animals? Your comment borders on slander and you should be more careful how you choose your words.

This is just a perverted tactic to deflect the discussions from the real issue.

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

ParkAdvocate wrote: [quote=quijibo][quote=ParkAdvocate]I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

you wouldn't be that guy that filled a piece of meat with pins and needles
and left it on the street so that a dog would eat it would you?

You are a very sick person. Where in any of my postings would you get the impression that I was into injuring animals? Your comment borders on slander and you should be more careful how you choose your words.

This is just a perverted tactic to deflect the discussions from the real issue.

Dude, he's yanking your chain....that happens a lot 'round these parts. THAT and a lot of veering off topic. look around, see fer yerself. lighten up a smidge.

Christopher Guest wrote: [quote=WhyFi][quote=Christopher Guest][quote=caaahyoko][quote=ParkAdvocate]Over the last 14 years I've seen the unleashed dogs in Prospect Park go from a few dozen to a few hundred. Somedays it's even more.

Hundreds? I've never seen more than 15-20 in one area of the park at one time. Don't know about FIDO events, but hundreds? Come on.
Hmmm, according to an article by Amy Sacks in the Daily News and reprinted on the FIDO website it's as high as 700:

"Prospect Park Gone To Dogs
By Army Sacks
Daily News, May 11, 2002

On most mornings, Lia Mehos dangles a leash by her side and watches her collie. Lucy, run free and unfettered through the fenceless grassy meadows in Prospect Park.

The 526 acre Brooklyn oasis offers the most generous off-leash privileges of any of the city's parks. Resembling an English countryside more than urban sprawl, the park provides Mehos and hundreds of dog owners the longest off-leash courtesy hours and the largest spaces - including three meadows, where a spring Saturday attracts up to 700 free-range canines. [...]"

Over the course of the day, not at once.
"Over the course of the day" wasn't written anywhere in the article. IF you go to the FIDO website you can read the entire story.
Is it specified that they're all there at once?

Regardless, has anyone actually gone and counted?? Or are we all just talking out of our asses? I know I am. :^o

I go all the time. I never count, but I don't think I've ever seen 700 beasts at once. That kind of thing would stand out . . .

More like dozens. Maybe on the weekends - barely - hundreds, on a particularly popular day.

never seen hundreds myself. thats unpossible!!

armchair_warrior wrote: never seen hundreds myself. thats unpossible!!

armchair, nothing is unpossible

pitu wrote: [quote=armchair_warrior]never seen hundreds myself. thats unpossible!!

armchair, nothing is unpossible

nu uh so there :P. /

Hundreds seems pretty reasonable. Long Meadow, Saturday and Sunday before 9. What do you thunk Quijibo?

I'm there all the time also - on dry, pleasant, sunny day, late spring, before everyone gets away on the weekends - couple of hundred for sure - no question.

steve wrote: Hundreds seems pretty reasonable. Long Meadow, Saturday and Sunday before 9. What do you thunk Quijibo?

yea. couple of hundred for sure. no question

although terry the deer hound might count as two dawgs

quijibo wrote: although terry the deer hound might count as two dawgs

more like four,
three of whom will be located in his digestive track

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

ParkAdvocate wrote: [quote=quijibo][quote=ParkAdvocate]I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

you wouldn't be that guy that filled a piece of meat with pins and needles
and left it on the street so that a dog would eat it would you?

You are a very sick person. Where in any of my postings would you get the impression that I was into injuring animals? Your comment borders on slander and you should be more careful how you choose your words.

This is just a perverted tactic to deflect the discussions from the real issue.
litigious little egotist ain't you?

you're probably behind the foie gras ban too
pissant offleash dog nazi.

slander this

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

quijibo wrote: [quote=ParkAdvocate][quote=quijibo][quote=ParkAdvocate]I am one of 8 children and, over the years, we've had 4 dogs, 6 cats, gerbils, birds, turtles, etc. My mother and 6 of my siblings still have dogs. I love dogs. I don't like irresponsible pet owners. My point is, I don't see off-leash courtesy hours as being good for animals or people. To that end I've done considerable research regarding laws, local government, animal advocacy groups, articles from reputable sources, photographs and put them together on a single weblog:

you wouldn't be that guy that filled a piece of meat with pins and needles
and left it on the street so that a dog would eat it would you?

You are a very sick person. Where in any of my postings would you get the impression that I was into injuring animals? Your comment borders on slander and you should be more careful how you choose your words.

This is just a perverted tactic to deflect the discussions from the real issue.
litigious little egotist ain't you?

you're probably behind the foie gras ban too
pissant offleash dog nazi.

slander this

it's all coming together now . . .
Park Advocate might be Terry's daddy. The style of expression is eirily familiar.

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

pitu wrote: it's all coming together now . . .
Park Advocate might be Terry's daddy. The style of expression is eirily familiar.

He didn't say it was libel.. just slander. =;

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

Carnivore wrote: [quote=pitu]it's all coming together now . . .
Park Advocate might be Terry's daddy. The style of expression is eirily familiar.

He didn't say it was libel.. just slander. =;

Slander, dude's not even a registered user, he's not a real person in any legal sense. Shit, that degenerate sex ho don't even like techno!

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

steve wrote: [quote=Carnivore][quote=pitu]it's all coming together now . . .
Park Advocate might be Terry's daddy. The style of expression is eirily familiar.

He didn't say it was libel.. just slander. =;

Slander, dude's not even a registered user, he's not a real person in any legal sense. Shit, that degenerate sex ho don't even like techno!

:shock: I think this has effectively ended the debate.

Subject: Re: Off-leash hours

caaahyoko wrote: [quote=steve][quote=Carnivore][quote=pitu]it's all coming together now . . .
Park Advocate might be Terry's daddy. The style of expression is eirily familiar.

He didn't say it was libel.. just slander. =;

Slander, dude's not even a registered user, he's not a real person in any legal sense. Shit, that degenerate sex ho don't even like techno!

:shock: I think this has effectively ended the debate.

Yes, I've been rated!

Subject: Bklyn: Educate Yourself About Dog Offleash Hours

http://www.nycoffleash.com

great site - thanks