Wallyreader jimmereno asked the following questions in the Forums the other day:
Can anybody tell me how much the fines are for dog owners who get nabbed by the dog detectives who stop by the playfield? Do repeat offenders pay more? Are there additional fines for unlicensed pets?
So, we looked up the Seattle Municipal Code and here’s the scoop:
It is a violation of SMC 18.12.080 to have a dog on an athletic playfield or designated children’s play area on or off leash (except seeing eye or hearing ear dogs or law enforcement dogs).
We then contacted Seattle Parks and Recreation for more information, and we were referred to Ann Graves who handles enforcement at the Seattle Animal Shelter. Ann told us the cost for each offense:
First offense – $54.00
Second offense – $109.00
Third offense – $136.00
Fourth or more offense – $162.00
The Seattle Municipal Code pertaining to licensing requirements is SMC 9.25.050, which states:
The following animal licenses shall be required: potbelly pig, miniature goat, cat, and dog licenses, guard and attack dog licenses, and exotic animal permits.
The fine for unlicensed pets is $125.00. If the unlicensed pet is on an athletic playfield or designated children’s play area, add that $125.00 to the fines listed above. Ouch!
Thanks for asking those questions, jimmereno. We’re curious because we’ve never seen anyone written up for having their pooch on the Playfield. If anyone has, we’d love to hear about it.
I’ve only ever seen animal control in our neighborhood once in the six years I’ve lived here, so I’m doubtful anyone gets fined unless another resident calls it in. That said, it is perfectly legal (source info is from the one time I talked with animal control) to take your dog to a path near a field or children’s area and tie them to an area where you can see them at all times. I do this practically everyday, and I know I have a senior citizen of a dog that barely stirs when a cat climbs over his nose, but still, it is LEGAL to keep a dog NEAR a play area (ie, tie the dog to a bench on the path at Wallingford Playfield or Meridian park). Unless, of course, that animal control guy was wrong.
I live across from Meridian Park, and I have seen people getting tickets there many times. I believe the animal control budgets have been cut and there aren’t as many enforcement officers out lately though.
As of a few years ago, I believe there were only two animal control officers for Seattle. This was also the case in the mid-90’s when the push was made for the off-leash areas in the parks.Enforcement really is stretched pretty thin.
However, it is also estimated that only about 30 to 35% of the dogs in Seattle are licensed, so the odds of hitting the jackpot and paying for a day patrolling a field seem pretty good.
Honestly, getting a fine is part of the cost of owning a dog in the city. It’s a risk many owners are willing to take. Probably because a lot of people don’t have yards. And parks, with very well behaved dogs (and when kids or groups aren’t on the field) are a nice open space to get some exercise.
It’s a lot like driving 70 on the freeway. Everyone is doing it. You just hope it’s not you who gets caught.
Animal control is visible enough–I certainly see them at woodland park and Wallingford field. I find that dog owners are amazingly sensitive to the presence of others in the area who also want to use the park.
I’m just glad that Seattle isn’t a haven for roving herds of unlicensed miniature goats.
(I used to worry about killer rabbits, too, but I now have my very own Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.)
For me, the difficult part when I go to the park is not knowing which off-leash dogs are going to be gentle and patient with my young children, and which ones are going to be aggressive and over-zealous. So, I end up not letting my children run around the field when dogs are off-leash or try sticking close enough to them that I can scoop them up, if needed. I hate limiting my children’s play, but the combination of unpredictable dogs and unpredictable toddlers does not always go smoothly.
I don’t know what the protocol is, but I’m with Voltron and SSM that it’s nice to see dogs on-leash by the playground or when children are using the field. I often see dogs playing on the field while children are playing and it’s hard to ask people to put their dogs on a leash without offending them.
Last year while at Wallingford Playfield, a barking dog ran at my 2-year-old son and me. The owner was unable to call her dog back to her. I told the owner (not very politely, I’m sure, as it was a bit scary) to leash her dog. She told me to confine my child to the playground. So, that didn’t go so well. I didn’t know what to do and reported the incident to the Parks Department. I am sorry to any responsible owners who were inconvenienced; however, I didn’t see Park employees or Animal Control patrolling the area after my complaint.
Maybe irresponsible dog-owners can identify themselves with a big, red dog bone patch on their shirts so we know when we need to keep our children close. 😉
I haven’t see Animal Control in a loooong time.
I’m a dog owner but I don’t let mine off-leash except at off-leash parks. One of my kids used to be afraid of dogs (even ours), and one of my nieces is terrified. I realize that many people are either afraid of dogs or don’t want an off-leash dog (even the cutest, nicest dog ever) approaching them, so I respect the leash law. A person’s right to enjoy the park trumps the dog’s right to frolic off-leash.
It may be a pain to travel to an off-leash park to exercise your dog, but to me that’s just part of the dog-owning deal.
Most Postman and Police officers carry pepper spray. I carry it when I’m hiking or camping in areas that are likely to have bears, coyotes, or the like. If I still had young children playing in the park, I would no doubt be carrying it and more.
It amazes me that there are so many responsible dog owners, but just as many terrible ones with nasty attitudes.
As a side note, I was at Home Depot today and saw one very embarrassed dog owner and an even more embarrassed dog that had a major “BLOWOUT” in the middle of the isle. The area was cordoned off and not one employee to be found.
Steve
@Ffej you’re funny!
I take my dog to gas works regularly as there are frequently no small children running about and there is so much more space (and hills) for running and ball throwing. I have never seen anyone enforcing the leash law. But I have heard that biker police who roll by while checking parking will ride through and distribute tickets to off-leash dog owners. Everyone has mentioned animal control so far. Has anyone had any experience with the police?
I find the off leash parks to be very chaotic and it takes only one irresponsible pet owner to ruin it for me there. I do let’s my dogs loose in on-leash areas, but only when no one is around, which isn’t very often. Hasn’t it been said that there are a lot more dogs in Seattle than there are kids? Seems odd that the only place dogs can legally swim here is one tiny 50 foot stretch of pure rock beach at Magnuson dog park. Other places I have lived have been much more dog friendly, especially at beaches.
Kristin–why are you worried about offending people who don’t care about other people, only their dogs? Tell people calmly but firmly that they should not have their dogs off-leash in a park that is not an off-leash area. If they get offended, it’s not your problem, it’s theirs. I don’t know what you mean by “the protocol,” but the polite thing to do, for the sake of other people–oh, and the law, also–is to have your dog on a leash.
Heather–if only there were more dog owners like you. What a sensible person you are!
Folks–it’s a big, crowded city. Please be mindful of others. We don’t all want other people’s dogs in our faces. Or crotches or ankles…
To answer the question–I have not seen an animal control officer in 12 years of living here. I figured they were a legend, like Sasquatch.
I am so tired of this topic. I have dogs and I let them off leash at the park. I stay confined to one area, I’m never near the playground and I don’t let them off when there is activity going on. I use the park at dawn or dusk and sometimes in the middle of the day when no one is there. A few weeks ago I had both of my dogs ON leash and a hyperactive child came up and grabbed the leash and started running with my dogs. One dog is old and the other timid. I nicely asked the child not to do that. The mother did absolutely nothing. Can you imagine if I took her kid and started yanking him around? I have never seen a vicious dog at the Wallingford park. I don’t have a backyard and I don’t have a car. This is my dogs’ opportunity to run free. I pick up after them and I am very aware of their behaviors. Little kids love my dogs and often run over and spend time playing with them. I think that helps with the human animal bond. Seriously people. Get a grip! What about the cars that speed around the neighborhood? Can you find something more important to complain about? Is this really the worst part of your day? If it is, I consider you lucky. Get a life!
This isn’t just about children, or just about being off-leash in parks. This is about caring about other people over your dog. I was horribly mauled by a dog and nearly killed (well, actually was dead for a few minutes) when I was younger. I am now absolutely terrified if a strange dog comes running at me.
One afternoon when I was just walking up Wallingford Ave right outside the Wallingford Playfield, someone’s dog (off leash), came running at me out of the playfield barking loudly and growling. Their owner wasn’t even in sight at first and even when she did come in sight, totally ignored her dog. The dog cornered me on the sidewalk, growling and barking. I was so terrified I was scared to death to even move and my heart was bursting out of my chest. When the owner finally came and told the dog to stop, she didn’t even say anything, just grabbed it by the collar and dragged it off for a few feet until it followed her. And then let it loose again. Even if the dog didn’t attack or bite me right then, it was frightening enough that for some people – I swear it might have given them a heart attack!
A human being’s safety and physical, mental and emotional welfare is more important than you not being willing to go the distance to take your dog to an off-leash area. Everyone here is so blase about ignoring the leash laws, but no one seems to be thinking about the damage that can be done even by a supposedly “gentle” dog that is off leash. The dog that mauled and nearly killed me was ON a leash and their owner had no idea their dog could possibly do something that violent without provocation. Do you REALLY trust your dog that much to not even have the dubious control of a leash on it???
City dwelling dog owners make an informed choice to own an animal requiring attention and activity either 1) when they purchase their home in the city or 2) when they purchase their animal even though they dwell in the city.
Part and parcel to that choice is that there are laws associated with owning a pet – license it (only one third does); respect the scoop laws; and keep them on-leash (unless at an approved off-leash area). These laws were put in place for the public safety and to cooperate with others living in a dense urban environment.
It is certainly possible to buy a house with a fenced yard where your pet can run free, take them to the off-leash areas if you want them to run free, or choose an animal that does not require the effort that some appear to be reluctant to provide… and by all means, please vaccinate and license your pet. There is no excuse for two thirds of dog owners to not do something so simple.
Owning a dog is a CHOICE. It is really not that big a deal to follow the rules agreed upon before making the choice. What is tiring is the many excuses made after the fact about why the rules do not apply to “me”. Thousands of dog owners follow the rules and have empathy for others that may have a fear or may not wish to deal the impacts of my choice. It should not be that difficult to understand.
I don’t know if I can get anyone’s attention for a new thread to this topic, but we walk our two dogs – on leash – at the playfield probably 2 or 3 times a week. And I have known for a while that “dogs aren’t allowed on playfields” in Seattle, but it was just last week when I really thought about that, and that I wasn’t sure exactly what they meant.
Can I legally walk my (on-leash) dog around the walkway around the playfield? Or is that “on” it? I mean, the whole place is called “Wallingford Playfield”, and then there’s the playfield playfield, if you know what I mean. I guess that’s the aforementioned “athletic playfield” that is verboten? (Of course, the kiddie play *area* is clearly demarcated, and is obviously off-limits.)
I think it’s safe to say that the playfield is the green stuff in the middle. 🙂 Agreed?
– rob
In general, dogs are allowed in parks. Dogs are not allowed on “athletic fields” football fields, baseball fields, soccer fields etc. Neither Wallingford or Meridian Parks have athletic fields. Dogs are not allowed on athletic fields EVEN ON A LEASH.
What’s going to happen because of irresponsible and out of control dog owners (poor dogs!), is that more laws will be passed, and more money will be spent to try and curb the issue. It’s no different than raising a child to be a little hellian. These dog owners and parents are a menace to society. I really do feel sorry for those dogs with irresponsible and disrespectful owners. There were MANY times that I would have loved to take my kids down the street to play instead across town to play, BUT IT’S CALL BEING A GOOD PARENT!! Please, be a good dog owner.
Steve
I seriously can’t believe getting this worked up about dogs at a park. Honestly, aren’t there more important topics to dedicate your time defending?
http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-090310-dogshooting,0,934621.story
Steve
I don’t know if “E30 Memorial”‘s answer is correct – if it is, then why are there signs (at least one sign, anyway, near the Densmore & 42nd entrance) that announce the “No dogs on athletic fields” law?
– rob
The sign is a standard issue sign. The sign also speaks of a play area, which both Wallingford and Meridian parks have. Wallingford also has the pool.
http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?d=CODE&s1=18.12.080.snum.&Sect5=CODE1&Sect6=HITOFF&l=20&p=1&u=/~public/code1.htm&r=1&f=G
Steve
To be a little more clear, both the sign and SMC 18 12 080 state “Organized” Athletic Fields. Here’s a link to all the Athletic Fields and Facilities in Seattle.
http://www.cityofseattle.net/parks/athletics/facilities.htm
Steve
I’ll buy that: the sign is there ’cause of the play area. So I can walk my (leashed) doggies across the big grassy area with no fear. Excellent!
– rob
Fregirl – Sorry, but I care for my dog well above most people, all dog owners feel this way. Marley’s Ghost – yes it is a choice to own a dog and live in a city. It is also a choice to excercise your dog in a reasonable way regardless of the laws. At one time it was illegal for women to vote and legal to own other people. Not all laws are valid.
Just because not all laws are valid does not mean that all laws are not valid 🙂