Dog Runs in County Parks

In the late 90's the Bay Park Civic Association, tired of pet owners ignoring the No Dog rules in county parks suggested that the county open enclosed dog runs where those pets could run leash free and socialize with others. The intent was to keep dogs from the rest of the parks.

Nassau County opened dog runs at Bay Park, Cedar Creek Park, Nickerson Beach Park, Wantagh Park, Christopher Morley Park and the latest at Old Bethpage Restoration Village. When these were initially opened, dog owners were delighted and vowed to self-police the facilities. They are required to have licenses for each dog which are issued by the towns upon proof of rabies inoculations. They must clean up after their dogs, monitor all activity and separate the dogs by size into one of the two pens, large and small. Dogs must be on leash outside the dog run and may not be walked in any other area of the park. Aggressive dogs are prohibited.

The county stated they would maintain the dog runs including putting down lime about every three weeks to help break down urine, reduce communicable diseases, both dog to dog and dog to humans, and finally to dispose of dog feces collected by the owners.

Well folks, there is trouble in canine paradise, most of it attributable to unsocial actions by a few owners and county inattention to its responsibilities and blatant violations. For the safety of the dogs and their owners, the county must assume oversight of all dog runs.

First the county must request that the towns, who are charged with enforcement of NYS Dog Licensing Laws, check the county dog runs in their areas, periodically, to insure all dogs have a license and rabies shots. Secondly the county must fulfill their obligation of keeping the dog runs clean by putting down lime and raking out the areas. All dog owners should be required to show proof that their pet has been checked and found free of communicable diseases by a licensed veterinarian at least once a year.

Finally, dog owners who bring old dilapidated and damaged furniture to the runs for their own comfort, should remove same when they leave. Currently these items are left leaving the dog runs looking like hobo camps. Park personnel should monitor the runs daily to insure all rules and regulations are being followed.( A few owners just toss the feces over the fences, Ugh!)

Do not allow a great program for pet owners to degrade into a great problem for everyone.