TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
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Off-Leash Dogs Discussion
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Discussion relating to off-leash dogs in City parks.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On November 7, 2024, Commissioner Hunneman requested and obtained consensus to bring back, at a regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the topic of off-leash dogs in City parks.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
Based on public comments received at the November 7, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, the Board wanted to have a discussion relating to dogs off-leash in parks.
The mission of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department is to provide safe, clean, beautiful, and accessible facilities, parks, and open spaces. Park Rangers are instrumental in providing park security and safety. Park Rangers patrol parks daily, enforcing City ordinances and park rules, inspecting for unsafe conditions, and addressing maintenance concerns. Regarding safety, the goal for Park Rangers is compliance with City ordinances and rules. In many cases, patrons of the City’s parks are not aware of the rules regarding off-leash dogs. The Park Rangers, therefore, attempt to provide education leading to compliance when making initial contacts with those patrons with off-leash pets; however, the Park Rangers do have the authority to cite individuals not complying with City ordinances.
The Murrieta Municipal Code that covers animals in parks is MMC 12.08.100 and states in full: “No person shall bring into any public park any cattle, horse, mule, goat, sheep, swine, dog, cat or any animal of any kind, except that dogs or cats may be permitted in the park on a leash under full control of the owner or person in possession. Those who own or have possession of a dog or cat within a park must collect, pick up, and remove all feces left behind by said animal in or upon the park. This section shall not apply to mounted police patrol.”
The Murrieta Municipal Code that covers the general penalties for all City codes is MMC 1.32. This Code allows for penalties as follows:
• Fine not exceeding $100 for first violation;
• Fine not exceeding $200 for second violation of the same ordinance within one year;
• Fine not exceeding $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
The following measures have been taken in addressing recent off-leash dog concerns at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park:
1. City Additional Patrols
a. Park Rangers are patrolling at 9:00 AM - First offense is a warning; second offense is a citation.
b. Park Monitors are approaching owners with off-leash dogs during their various shifts.
c. Supervisory staff is patrolling every other Thursday beginning around 9:30 AM.
d. Supervisory staff is patrolling every other Friday beginning around 10:30 AM.
2. Animal Friends of the Valley Patrols
a. Officers to patrol Monday through Friday at 9 AM staring Monday, February 24.
b. An on-call patrol will be made at least twice a week during the 7 AM hour.
c. Additional patrols of this park will be made if an officer is in the area at any time.
d. First offense is a warning; second offense is a citation. All citations are forwarded to staff that same day for Park Rangers to track.
e. These are temporary patrols with a follow up evaluation to be conducted in one month.
3. Social Media
a. Posts have been made to CSD, City Hall, and PD’s Facebook pages.
b. Posts have been made to the City’s Nextdoor account.
c. Posts have been made to the City’s Instagram account.
4. Additional temporary signage has been placed at the three entrances to the park, the ballfield area and soccer fields 4, 5, and 6.
5. Community Outreach
a. Flyers about approved off-leash areas will be available at all City events.
b. Information about construction of the City’s third off-leash dog park can be found on the City’s website and will be periodically posted to social media outlets
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. MMC 12.08.100 Animals
2. MMC 1.32 General Penalties
3. Community Outreach Flyer