Seattle Begins Enforcing Leash Laws For Dogs As Safety Measure

In an effort to keep children and adults safe in public parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Animal Shelter have teamed up to step up dog leash enforcement in several of the city's parks. The change is in response to the public's lax response to the law, and even the misunderstanding that parks are off-leash areas for dogs.

In reality, although many parks allow dogs to run free, others do not for the safety of both the dogs and those using the parks. Parks that will receive ramped-up leash law attention include West Queen Anne Playfield, Gilman Playfield, Bitter Lake Playfield, Ravenna/Cowen Parks, Green Lake Park and Volunteer Park.

In the first weekend of enforcement, Park and Humane Law Enforcement Officers issued 14 citations, ranging from $54 to $162. Tickets focused on leash laws, dog licensing laws, and scooping laws.

Officials also wanted to remind the public and increase awareness about other public places - although leashed dogs are allowed in most parks, some public places, such as athletic fields, children's playgrounds, and beaches, do not allow dogs at all.