July 23, 2020 – West Bend, WI – There was a lively discussion Thursday night, July 23, 2020, as the West Bend Parks Commission took another look at an ordinance regarding dogs in City parks in West Bend.
Currently dogs can be on a 6-foot leash on the Riverwalk, in Old Settlers Park and Vest Pocket Park.
District 8 alderwoman Meghann Kennedy wanted to expand the list of parks to include all City parks. That idea was then amended to include parks but not Regner Park or Lac Lawrann Conservancy, park buildings, otherwise posted areas or in the park during special events.
Discussion went round and round several times. A couple of hot topics included people who take their dogs off leash, those who fail to pick up waste or do pick up waste and then leave the bag on the trail or in the park, how to police allowing dogs but not during special events, dog waste and urine in the parks or on soccer fields and volleyball courts.
Following a couple votes a measure to change the ordinance passed by a vote of 4 – 3. The revised ordinance would also include a statement about dog owners picking up and removing animal waste.
Those voting in favor of the change included Mike Chevalier, Meghann Kennedy, Steve Hoogester, and Jim White. Those dissenting were Allen Carter, Mike Weston and Mike Staral. The amended ordinance must still go before the West Bend Common Council for approval.
Update to Dogs in City of West Bend Parks
Ordinance to be updated:
20.07 (6) Animals (c) (Rep. & Recr. Ord# 2832 – 5/14/2019) Designated On-Leash Dog Areas. Dogs shall be allowed in the following parks, or the designated area within a park, but shall be restrained by a leash with a length of six feet or less.
1. Ridge Run Park – entire park.
2. Glacier Blue Hills Recreation Area – Ice Age Trial only.
3. West Bend Riverwalk – sidewalk/trail portion only.
4. Old Settlers Park – entire park.
5. Vest Pocket Park – Sidewalk portion only.
Update:
Dogs shall be allowed in all city parks, except for prohibited park areas. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, and under owners control -unless in Rolfs dog park leash-free area. Any pet owner who fails to control their pet, create public nuisance or disturb
others may be asked to leave. All pet waste must be picked up and disposed of in garbage receptacles. Bags, scoops, or other implements for the removal of pet waste must be carried by any person bringing a pet onto park property.
Prohibited Areas:
Dogs are not allowed at special events, park buildings or picnic shelters, within children’s playground areas, beaches, or athletic fields.
Why:
The updates to this ordinance will allow the City of West Bend parks to come in line with both Washington County Parks (which allow dogs in parks on 6-foot leash) as well as Wisconsin State Parks (that allow dogs on 6-foot leash in parks except for prohibited areas) like we are listing above.
Easy enough to resolve, charge an additional $250 per dog license for clean up of public grounds to all dog owners if they want that. Those of us that want to use the parks should not have to put up with their abuse of privilege.
It’s unfortunate that the few dog owners that don’t pick up after, or control their dogs ruin it for everyone. As a responsible dog owner and professional dog walker, I find West Bend a very dog un-friendly area. I’ve walked several dogs on the Eisenbahn trail and was surprised by the lack of waste receptacles available. No wonder dog owners are leaving dog waste behind! I find a previous post that suggested raising the dog license fee for cleaning public grounds punitive, but I do think that having a voluntary sponsorship of pet waste stations would prove beneficial for all.
I agree that Regner and Riverside parks should basically be left alone, but there should be dogs allowed on bordering sidewalk areas. I’m surprised Lac Lawrann even allows public trail walking at all- so yes, no dogs should allowed there.
I think charging everyone $250 for a dog license is a bit extreme. I suggest doing something similar to the special tag for the dog parks. If citizens want to take their dogs on the trail, or to city parks, they should have to get a special tag and have their dog registered so the patrons know the dog has proper vaccinations and such.
I would never take my dog to a park, I know her and she wouldn’t do well there. I shouldn’t have to pay $250 for being a responsible dog owner.