This meeting was called by Dr. Parmer, Director, Cook County Animal Control,
Cook County.
Others in attendance: Animal Care and Control, CAPS, Representatives from the
Chicago Police Dept, Representatives from the Chicago Park District, Chairs from
various DFA groups, D.A.W.G. officials, Jan Stoltz and Gia Heybrock.
Dr. Parmer has been concerned about the way dog parks have been managed in the city: they have become overrun by dog walkers, some are taking 15-20 dogs there at the same time and not watching the dogs. Residents have become afraid of taking their own dogs there. Recently a Pug was killed in a Bucktown DFA when he was attacked by another dog.
Dr. Parmer has been trying to get the Chicago Park District to properly manage their DFAs and enforce rules and regulations. As a result, people in Chicago who wish to use their DFAs, will now have to get a permit to do so from the Chicago Park District. Permits will have to be worn visible to everyone.
It was stressed that a permit to a DFA is a privilege and can be revoked if people do not follow rules and regulations, just as a drivers license can be revoked.
The most important aspect of having a successful DFA is on-going community support and involvement with the governing body of the DFA. There are certain responsibilities a community must adhere to:
Maintenance: The community must assist in the maintenance of the DFA. It is the responsibility of the users of the DFA to clean up after their pets and daily clean up any mess that other users might have missed. The regular users of the DFA should inform new users of the rules and regulations as well as the importance of maintenance.
Monitoring the DFA: The community of users of the DFA should assist in the monitoring of the DFA. The dog owners group members should encourage the enforcement of the leash laws outside of the DFA, monitor the behaviors of the dogs and dog owners using the DFA and assist in the education of new users.
Management: Have frequent communication with the governing body of the DFA regarding the management of the DFA. If problems occur with the operation or patrons of the DFA, the governing body should be informed and involved in the resolution to the problem. In our case this can be done by calling the F.P.D. or by contacting the Beck Lake Dog Area Group.
Failure to provide this type of support, may result in the governing body reconverting the land to its original use.