Montgomery Parks is encouraging dog owners to show their pets and the public some love this August, by keeping their dogs leashed at all times in public, unless visiting a dog park where dogs are permitted to be off leash. National Dog Month and the dog days of August are the perfect time for a stroll in the park, but it’s critical that dogs be on-leash for their own safety and everyone else’s.
“We have had reports in area parks about off-leash dogs fighting, chasing people, injuring wildlife, getting lost or being hit by cars traveling on nearby roads,” said Captain Tracy Lieberman, Park Police public information officer. “Even the best-behaved dog can get scared and act aggressively or take off running. Holding the leash keeps the pet owner in control of the situation.”
Leashing dogs in public is not just a suggestion, it is the law in Montgomery County and a regulation in Montgomery Parks. Violators could be fined up to $50 for the first offense and $100 for repeat infractions. But Montgomery Parks is hoping a social media push will promote good behavior by dog owners. The Show Us Your Leash campaign asks park visitors to take a picture of their pet enjoying a park, on-leash, then post it on Instagram or Twitter and tag Montgomery Parks. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the eight dedicated dog parks within Montgomery Parks system:
- Black Hill Regional Park
- Cabin John Regional Park
- Dewey Local Park
- Ellsworth Urban Park
- Olney Manor Recreational Park
- Piedmont Woods Local Park
- Ridge Road Recreational Park
- Wheaton Regional Park
Even in dog parks, owners are required to monitor their pet’s behavior and have immediate access to a leash. Complete details on rules and safety at dog parks are available on the dog parks regulations page on(opens in a new tab) Montgomery Parks website.
Anyone who sees an off-leash dog in Montgomery Parks is asked to keep their distance, make note of the dog’s description and any owner who may be present and contact Park Police at 301-949-8010 to report the issue.
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