I was disappointed in the Voice’s article “Off-Leash Program in Limbo.” It did not reflect the opinions of dog owners.
The Recreation Commission’s working group, composed of both dog owners and non-dog owners devised a thoughtful off-leash program, which I strongly support. I would like to have seen more details of the proposal in your article. I wish you had quoted someone from the group.
A fenced-in dog park will not take the place of allowing dogs to run in an open woodland or grassy space. Such “parks” force dogs to interact in a confined area without being able to escape a frightening or unsafe situation. Canine distemper and parvovirus are more likely to spread in confined areas. These areas usually have gravel surfaces, which makes them unpleasant for people. As a dog owner, I have visited such spaces and found them unsafe and unappealing.
I hope future articles will give equal space to the opinions of both sides.
Alix Pollack, Dean Street