The recent threat to end the successful 20-year Off-leash Hours policy in New York City can be thought of as a play with three acts. We're currently working on the third and final act.

Act One
In May 2006 the Off-leash Hours policy in New York City came under attack from a lawsuit in State Supreme Court seeking to end the policy citywide. That lawsuit failed, in part, thanks to the support and hard work of the Parks Department and the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups (NYCdog.org). The court's legal decision came down on November 30, 2006.

Act Two
In September 2006, partially in response to the State Supreme Court lawsuit seeking to end Off-leash Hours policy, the New York City Health Department proposed amendments to the Health Code that explicitly grant the Parks commissioner limited discretionary authority to permit Off-leash Hours policy in New York City parks. On December 5, 2006, the NYC Health Board unanimously passed the amendments further strengthening the Off-leash Hours policy and encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Act Three:
The Parks department is expected to begin a similar process to how the Health Department amended its own regulations in Act Two. In January 2007, the Parks Department will publish proposed amendments to its regulations and then schedule a public hearing for those interested to speak or send in written testimony. The outcome of this process will determine the rules and regulations that will govern Off-leash Hours policy going forward. Let's Make Sure Act Three Has a Happy Final Ending for Off-leash Hours supporters!

Please Sign the Online Petition to voice your support for the Parks Department's process to formalize and codify the successful 20-year Off-leash Hours policy.

Dog owners and their canine friends enjoy an early morning offleash in Central Park.

Early Spring morning in Central Park.