Debating the merits of dog parks

     Does Western New York need more public parks devoted to pets? More and more people seem to think so.

   The Town of Amherst is in the process of committing an acre of unused municipal land in northeast Amherst for use as a dog park. The park would give the opportunity to let dogs frolic and play off leash.

   This past August, the City of Buffalo started up a very successful dog park in LaSalle Park. Proponents say it's good exercise for the animals, a great socializing opportunity for fellow dog lovers, and a way to discourage dog owners from having their pets run free in public parks where it's not allowed.

   Dog parks aren't easy to do, though. Not everyone is enthusiastic about giving up public park space for doggy use. Then, of course, is the question of money.

   Most of us are content to let our dogs out in a fenced-in-yard, or take them for walks when we have the time. But dog park proponents say many dogs need to socialize with their fellow canines to really get the active kind of exercise they need.

  -- Sandra Tan

Comments

[Barton Keyes]

I think County Exec elect Collins should look into buying treadmills for county dogs. This would both save park land for us two legged creatures and cost less than buying separate park land for our four legged friends.
Of course the dogs would have to present a valid social security card to prove they were not illegal immigrants to get the free treadmill.
But don't tell the Governor about this. He may want to issue special licenses to illegal dogs.

[Former WNY'er]

I live in Little Rock and even they have a really good dog park, it goes to show how behind the times WNY is. The park is always packed during open hours and it is
ran by a non-for-profit organization which helps to clean it and maintain it. It's not the expensive to set aside land for a park that neither the town nor county has to maintain or run, plus it beats building another subdivision or indutrial park in Amherst or any suburban community, like there aren't too many of those being built around Buffalo, cough cough Sprawl...

[lisa]

everywhere in the country has dog parks and even dog beaches!!! WNY acts like this is some magical new idea. young people looking to relocate or stay in an area look at things exactly like this. dog-lovers have a lifestyle that includes their pets. around here it is very anti-dog..i have seen signs in state parks saying NO DOGS!!! can you believe it..just one more thing pushing me out of the area.