PORT TOWNSEND — Revisions to Port Townsend’s animal control ordinance that will be discussed Monday are the first step in establishing an off-leash dog park, officials said.
The City Council workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St.
“The meeting will determine what areas we dedicate as off-leash,” said City Manager David Timmons.
“This will lead to a commitment that we need a dedicated dog park that is better than what we have.”
Discussion of the code’s revision is the only item on Monday’s agenda. No action is planned.
Leash required
The present ordinance requires the use of a leash at all times while off the owner’s property, as well as a fence or other restraint to keep the animal in place, unless the dog is under the owner’s voice control.
Allowance of voice control has been stricken from the draft.
That would mean it would be illegal for any dog to be off leash aside from the dog area in Chetzemoka Park, at Sather Park and on all beaches not specifically marked as requiring leashes.
These limited areas don’t meet the need, Timmons said.
Potential locations
“We have our eye on several locations,” he said of the proposed park.
“It can’t be too isolated and needs to have accessible services.”
The cost of building the park depends on its location, Timmons said.
A less expensive option would be the field behind Mountain View Commons, which is leased by the city.
The field is earmarked for a new YMCA facility, but construction won’t start for another three years, Timmons said.
Another site could be the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, which is on land the city doesn’t own or lease.
In that case, the city would need to work up an agreement to use the land, Timmons said.
The Mountain View site is fenced, but that isn’t a requirement, he said, adding that the site would need only to have clearly delineated boundaries.
It also should be a place that can sustain wear and tear and be in an area with little traffic, he said.
Timmons said the proposed revisions were driven by two separate but connected issues: that all dogs must be on a leash unless they are on their owner’s property and the allowance to not use a leash if the dog is under the voice control of its owner.
“The two issues were co-mingled, which wasn’t our intent and caused some confusion,” Timmons said.
“It needed clarification.”
For approval, the revision must be completed, and the completed ordinance then has two readings in separate council meetings.
Timmons said there is no timeline for completion. The schedule will be determined by the council.
Public feedback
The revision process has gathered public feedback through the “Speak Up” portal, soliciting 54 responses in five categories.
The off-leash requirements drew the greatest reaction — 31 comments, most in favor of an enforced leash law.
“It would be easier to mark those areas where off-leash animals are allowed, rather than the other way around,” wrote a commenter signed as P. Lee.
“In other words, assume the leash law applies everywhere unless otherwise designated.”
Henry Fly wrote: “I have been assaulted by dogs at Ft Worden beaches, Pt Hudson beach and often by the wooden boat center. Whether on or off a leash, most dog owners act as if their dog is special where no rules apply.”
Added Lynn Hrenko: “A leash law protects those of us who do not have dogs, and those who are responsible and do have them leashed.”
The idea of removing the allowance of voice control drew seven mixed responses.
Nikki Russell wrote, “Leave voice control in place. Hold owners responsible for actions of dogs when off leash,” while Peggy Albers wrote, “Many dog owners think their dogs are under voice control, but often they are not.”
The comments were considered as part of the revision process, according to a news release.
Timmons said that if enacted, these rules would not be an enforcement priority for police but would come into play “if the dog is deemed to be vicious, dangerous or aggressive.”
Cats also fall under the leash restrictions, but owners will not be prosecuted if their unleashed cats are in the neighbor’s yard or on the street, Timmons said.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
