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
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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 ...
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