San Francisco Supervisors May Rule Against Proposed Dog Leash Laws
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- The San Francisco Board of Supervisors plans on taking up a resolution on Tuesday that could put them on record as opposing a proposal to reduce the presence of dogs at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).
The GGNRA wants to prohibit off-leash dogs at Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, Muir Beach and other popular parks where dogs can now run free. Dogs would be banned entirely from other areas where they're currently allowed on leash.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Supervisor Scott Wiener feels the proposal is misguided and is sponsoring the resolution to oppose it.
"This is not a museum, this is an urban recreation area for us to use and that means people being able to bring their dogs," Wiener stated.
The GGNRA's plan has dog owners fuming, many of whom showed up to a hearing on the issue at City Hall recently to voice their opinion.
One woman pointed out that the issue at hand here is about sharing space and that San Franciscans have been doing a good job on this for decades and that they'd continue to do so in the future.
The national park service is being pushed to limit dog access by people who are worried that plant and bird life is threatened by romping canines.
"The current level of off-leash activity prevents its [parks] enjoyment by many other visitors and is causing unsustainable damage to the park habitats," said one GGNRA supporter.
There has been so much controversy about the dog management plan that the GGNRA has extended the public comment period until the end of May.
Although this resolution opposing the new dog rules would only be advisory if passed, San Francisco's position on dog issues does matter to the national park service and could impact the ultimate decision.
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