Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

Tarpon reconsiders Craig Park dog ban

Municipal rules bar dogs from all of the city's 15 public parks, but some commissioners are warming to the idea of allowing dogs in one park.

By CANDACE RONDEAUX
Published July 1, 2004

TARPON SPRINGS - Be they poodles or pit bullterriers, dogs will likely have their day in Craig Park.

Days after residents petitioned the city to repeal a ban on animals in city parks, several City Commissioners said Tuesday night they want to revise the rules at Craig Park. But some commissioners questioned whether dogs should be allowed at all city parks - especially Sunset Beach Park.

"I think that's a public (health) hazard," said City Commissioner Peter Nehr. "I don't want to be lying down on a blanket and be worrying about whether I'm lying in dog doo."

Despite those reservations, puppy love was in the air at City Hall after about 25 people showed up to express their views on the park ban during Tuesday's City Commission meeting. Several in the audience complained that the rule is too restrictive. While others, such as resident Olga Sowchuk, argued the rule unfairly penalizes responsible dog owners and discriminates against animal lovers.

"Why do we always have to punish everyone with the incidental acts of others?" Sowchuk, 54, asked city commissioners. "I just don't get why after 24 years we're enforcing this all of a sudden."

Mayor Beverley Billiris agreed, saying the ban on animals is too intrusive.

"I've never understood why everywhere else in the world people are allowed to have animals," Billiris said. "I don't want this to become a police city. We have enough ordinances."

Under current city rules, animals are not allowed in any of the city's 15 public parks, unless their owners are blind or physically challenged. Those who fail to comply or clean up after their dogs face fines ranging from $81 to $152.

The city put up signs prohibiting animals at Craig Park in May after receiving complaints about rampant dog feces. City public services director Juan Cruz said he loves dogs, but the rule should stay on the books. He doesn't have enough staff to maintain the park as it is, he said.

"If we have a problem now when we do not allow dogs in," Cruz said, "I can assure you that if we do allow (dogs) that will compound the problem."

Many Pinellas County cities allow pet owners to walk their dogs in most city parks if dogs are on leashes and owners clean up after them. The county enforces the same restrictions in its parks, but as in many other coastal areas of Florida, it bars dogs at beaches.

In Tarpon Springs, dog owners can walk their pets on city sidewalks and at the city's designated dog park on Live Oak Street near the corner of Safford Avenue.

But many said Tuesday that the dog park is far from ideal, especially for dogs that are skittish.

"It's not the most comfortable place," Sowchuk said.

Nonetheless, some city staffers insisted Craig Park is no place for man's best friend. Parks maintenance worker Rizk Baltaji said he's battled yard bombs in the park for years. After one unpleasant encounter, Baltaji appealed for stricter enforcement of the ban.

"One time, it got all over me," Baltaji told commissioners. "I was weed-whacking and it splattered all over me. I have no problem with dogs in the park if people take care of things and pick up after their dogs."

City-supplied plastic bag dispensers in the park and higher fines could help solve that problem, Billiris said. She said she supports a change at Craig Park. But she agrees with Nehr and other commissioners that dogs should stay off city beaches. Either way, Billiris said, dog owners should be more responsible when they walk their furry friends.

"We can't have police officers standing there in uniform looking for you to have your dog poop in parks," Billiris said.

The City Commission is expected to make a decision on the ban late next month.

- Candace Rondeaux can be reached at 727 771-4307 or rondeaux@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 1, 2004, 01:00:36]