As the sun blazes down on our city this summer, the al fresco season comes with an uptick in furry companions trotting alongside their owners, be it through meandering park paths or the humdrum sidewalks of our neighborhoods. According to a recent reminder from the City of Upper Arlington officials, posted online, along with this influx of pups comes a surge in complaints regarding off-leash dogs disrupting the public's peace and posing potential threats.
The rules are straightforward - at UA parks, dogs gotta be leashed from 8 am to 8 pm during Daylight Savings Time, but even when the leash is off, your pooch still needs to be under your control, especially during times when parks are bustling with activities which kind of goes without saying, but needs to be said, given the uptick in complaints. The scoop—pun intended—is that pet owners must look out for others, ensuring their dogs don't invade personal spaces or cause disturbances, and when in doubt, keep your doggo on a short leash.
And for heaven's sake, let's talk doggy doo - because nobody wants to step in it. The city reminds owners that picking up after your pet isn't just neighborly, it's a matter of public health. Luckily, if you forget your bags, many of the larger parks have doggie bag stations for your convenience—remember, those bags don't belong in the recycling container, dispose of that waste in the trash. "clean up after their pets," the City of Upper Arlington reminder page states, "for health and safety reasons."
In the sprawl of our everyday life, dog owners are also reminded to keep their dogs leashed while roaming neighborhood streets, not to mention making sure their backyards are escape-proof, be it via traditional fencing or the more modern electric fence, but remember an electric fence isn't visible, so a wandering stray still might run into trouble with your dog, and it's on you to keep things safe. If you spot someone flouting these rules, the UA Police are just a call away at 614-583-5410 to handle any leash law violations.
Beyond leashes and poop bags, if you're looking for more info, whether it's laws associated with our four-legged friends, tips on dealing with wildlife, or just some resources for when Fido flees the coop, check out UA's comprehensive Animal and Wildlife Control tips and resources page. Here's to a summer of responsible pet ownership and harmony in our shared spaces, folks.
