APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Man’s best friend could soon be allowed to join him in some Appleton parks.
City leaders are considering a measure that would allow dogs in six parks along the river.
Those parks are: Jones Park, Lutz Park, Peabody Park, Telulah Park, Vulcan Heritage Park, and Ellen Kort Peace Park, which is expected to open in the near future.
Alderman Kyle Lobner has brought forth the idea to repeal the part of the municipal code that restricts dogs in city parks.
Lobner did not return WTAQ’s calls to discuss his reasoning for the action.
The proposal was discussed by the city’s Park and Recreation Committee last month, which made changes.
While Lobner wanted the animals to be allowed in all city parks, Committee Chair Joe Martin felt it would be better to start with select parks, as a test run.
The committee approved Martin’s amendment to Lobner’s initial proposal.
Martin notes the measure does come with some stipulations.
“(The owners) must keep (the dogs) on paths, no more than six feet off those paths.”
Owners would also have to keep the dogs leashed at all times and pick up any droppings.
Martin says there could also be consequences if dog owners are found not to be in compliance with the city’s pet registration rules, if approached by police.
“You could be fined for not having the dog licensed.”
While he says no funding is available in 2017, Martin notes it is possible city dollars are designated towards the ‘dogs in parks’ matter next year.
“Maybe they would put out bags that would allow people to pick up the droppings from the animals so that they may dispose of it properly.”
City officials believe the waste stations would come with an initial cost between $225-$300 plus a $100 installation cost.
Annual maintenance costs are expected to total $4,000.
If the committee signs off on the measure, it then heads to the city council.
Two similar efforts have been defeated in the past three years.
When asked for their opinions, the city’s police department and park facilities management team expressed concerns with safety and sanitation.
