Leash Law and Dogs at Parks

I support the proposed amendment to existing regulations related to off-leash dogs in the city generally and in public parks specifically. Dog ownership is a huge responsibility, and owners should be expected to assume that responsibility. Dogs should be controlled by their owners at all times while they are on any property that is public or adjoins public property or public right of ways. Those owners who feel their freedoms are being threatened should walk in the shoes of people who are allergic to dogs, have been bitten by dogs, or who simply want to enjoy a peaceful walk around their neighborhood without being assaulted by an unruly, uncontrolled dog. Society is "the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community." Being part of society is also a huge responsibility. Yet, so many claim to be responsible. Now's your opportunity to shine.

The dog conflicts described in other posts are a violation under the current dog ordinance. Passing more restrictive language won't solve the problem. The city should be leading the way with a comprehensive plan for clear signage, barriers/fencing in problem areas, increasing distance between informal and formal trails, education, and enforcement.

I love that Minnetonka has a wide variety of parks and amenities that cater to different interests and life stages. My kids have outgrown playgrounds and sports fields. An injured arm prevents me from tennis, pickle-ball, or the Lone Lake mountain bike trails. Purgatory's off-leash trails are the only city park we use. It's the one place we can go to exercise with our dog.

Multiple surgeries make leashing my dog risky. I tore my rotator cuff walking my dog on a leash. Reducing off-leash trails would shut me out of Minnetonka's parks and make it impossible to give my dog the necessary mental stimulation and exercise.

Off-leash areas are important for accessibility. Dog leash injuries sent 32,000 people to the ER in 2020. According to Johns Hopkins, "researchers found that women, and all adults age 65 and older, were more likely to sustain serious injuries...as a result of walking a leashed dog."*

Please consider this article from the New York Times: Are We Loving Our Pets to Death? There is evidence that dog leashing and confinement is leading to increased animal anxiety, behavior problems, and aggression.** 80% of dog bites occur in the home. The victim (usually a child) is often the owner or a friend of the owner. Large off-leash dog trails provide necessary stimulation, exercise and socialization – they make the community safer from bites.

The proposed ordinance language is more clear, however, since we haven't seen a formal plan for "designated off-leash areas," I can't support this proposal without seeing how it would be applied. Off-leash dog areas should be improved – not removed, reduced, or restricted.

* https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/04/walking-a-leashed-dog-associated-with-risk-of-traumatic-brain-injury-among-adults

** https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/22/science/pets-health-behavior.html?unlocked_article_code=1.300.IHCw.dexUNXQfxA6_

Our neighbors often gather and talk with our dogs running around bouncing between yards. With the ordinance, as written, we would become den of outlaws.

I suggest the wording from the Eden Prairie ordinance:

At large means whenever an animal is off the premises of its owner unless controlled by a leash not to exceed six (6) feet in length with the following exception: while on the private property of another with the landowner's permission, provided the animal owner is present.

I think this just a reasonable accommodation. I don’t think the city really intends to raid our neighborhood. Don’t outlaw something you have no intention to enforce.

The second is a public safety issue related to retractable leashes. Recently a large dog wrapped a retractable leash around me. It only took a couple of seconds. It took at least 30 seconds to get untangled. If the dog had bolted for some reason I would have been injured even if the owner was quick enough to drop the handle. These are far more dangerous than an at large dog.

https://www.rover.com/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-retractable-leashes/

I suggest that the ordinace not allow retractable leashes. Again this would make it consistent with the Eden Prairie ordinance. At the very least limit the use of retractable leases to dogs under 30 pounds.

Finally

News flash - Dogs are off lease in parks in Eden Prairie despite the ordinance.

The city council should not pat themselves on the back and say we passed this ordinance our job here is done - we solved that problem. History tells us that prohibition doesn't work. Widespread noncompliance leds to a general decline in respect for the law and erodes the public's perception of the justice system.

In addition a formum like this that lends itself to anonymous postings bashing dog owners is not useful and tends to devide the community.

The real issue is not off leash dogs but dogs that are poorly trained both on and off leash. This is real public safety risk.

I would recommend the city make a commitment to do an analysis of type and nature of undesired dog encounters and develop a plan and allocated resources for education and enforcement that will actually address the issues being voiced in the community. Minnetonka should take the lead in developing practical solutions.

Very sad to hear that a no off leash policy could happen. Walking my dog every morning at purgatory in the trails is something both of us look forward to every morning. Would be such a disappointment to ban this. Please do not take this away from our dogs.

We have enjoyed Purgatory Park daily to walk a dog the past 20 years. We use the non-maintained trails to walk our dog off leash. We would hate to lose our use of the park. We would not use a fenced in off leash dog park area. We do see unleashed dogs on the maintained trails. But we have also come across bikes on the non-maintained trails and children in the creek, climbing tress or breaking off tree branches to make forts. Certainly we don’t want to ban all bikes and children because of that. Enforce the leash laws and fine the bad dog owners. Please continue to allow the responsible dog owners to walk their dogs off leash on the non-maintained trails.

It's unfortunate that the city is slowly putting this information out piecemeal. There is no way to know/comment on what the impact will be as the final plans for off leash areas aren't identified. It seems like that is the strategy. Keep it vague until it is too late to make changes.
We went to a couple of the open sessions and 95%+ of the people spoke in favor of leaving purgatory park mostly as is. A veterinarian spoke of how dangerous fenced dog parks are for fostering aggressive behavior and spread of sickness. The committee went away and came back with a plan for fenced in dog areas at purgatory. Now I see the meeting where the ordinance is revealed will not have public input.
Sadly it is in keeping with what we have seen so far,
We have used the off leash areas daily at purgatory for 15+ years and have never witnessed an issue. You will eliminate a majority of park users if go to small and/or fenced dog areas. It appears like that is the goal.

Incredible, I stumbled upon this email in my junk email. This is such an important topic and seems like little heads up. We actually live on Purgatory park! The trail runs in front of our home. We have actually quit using the park trail due to so many in leashed dogs. My spouse is terrified of being bitten or worse by these unleashed dogs and irresponsible owners…the current situation is a major blackeye for Minnetonka. Please require all dogs to be leashed when on the trail or within 20 yards of the trails. PLEASE before someone gets seriously hurt. We are going to closely monitor this situation.

I propose that you form a committee of dog owners who use the park regularly and daily (there are many who would be happy to be involved) to sit down and discuss the issues and formulate a plan of action. The signage, for one thing, is woefully inadequate for people who have never been to Purgatory or who go there occasionally. You need to communicate the rules for dog owners on the signage, as you have stated on your website. Daily users know the rules and the majority obey them.
My husband and I are long term residents of Minnetonka who have used Purgatory Park for our dogs for nearly 30 years. As a taxpayer, I believe I have the right to voice my opinion and be heard. It is extremely unfair for a committee to make decisions that affect us long-term residents and taxpayers.
I realize this is a very important and sensitive issue, but in all fairness, the dog owners don't feel heard

It is great to be able to have dog off leash on unpaved trails in purgatory park for dog owner like myself to have a place where we both can exercise and enjoy nature. It beats any dog park by a lot. As long as it is possible to have a few places like that in our Minnetonka it would be great. It is a privilege that we need to keep. I confront irresponsible dog owners who put that at risk.

I stumbled across this proposal while looking for something unrelated to dogs. After reading all the previous comments, I am not sure what the right answer is. There is clearly a big need for off-leash opportunities in Minnetonka. I've spent a lot of time in Purgatory Park and I think it's a great place for some dog owners. The need is real! Unfortunately, I have also seen how out of control it has gotten. I have been charged, growled at, and jumped on. I've seen piles of dog poop, both bagged and "natural". I've had people afraid to confront irresponsible dog owners ask me to do it for them. Bad experiences are not the norm, but are far from rare. It's past time for change. I feel for the dog owners who consider themselves responsible but I also am fed up by the problem. I'm in favor of designating space for off-leash areas, and also the proposed ordinance changes.

I have been exercising my dog(s) off-leash in Purgatory Park for over ten years and strongly support the changes to both ordinances. I believe them to be long overdue.

I greatly value the off-leash area at Purgatory Park. Many dogs, including my own, can be very wary if approached by a dog they are not familiar with, when they are either on a leash or in a confined space, and behave unpredictably. I am ambulatory but disabled and the expansive off-leash area at the park has me allowed to exercise my dogs (and myself) adequately and safely. This would be almost impossible for me had they been on a leash or exercised off-leash in a small space.

I have two further comments.

Ordinance 925.085 suggests that it would be illegal to have a dog off-leash on a friend’s property even with their permission. The ordinance should be rephrased to permit this.

As currently proposed, there is nothing to prevent Ordinance 1135.020 from becoming effective prior to the creation of any designated off-leash areas. This has caused a high level of concern among many dog owners. I believe the city should preclude this from happening.

If these proposed ordinance changes are meant to clarify what behaviors are allowed in certain described locations and are not meant to change behaviors of the vast majority of responsible dog owners and their use of the off-leash areas of Minnetonka City Parks, I do not have a problem with the changes. My concerns are that when the “designated off-leash area” signs go up, we responsible dog owners will find that our historical and habitual use of recreational trails, particularly informal trails, is dramatically curtailed without notice or opportunity to object. Further, I am concerned that these ordinance changes may be used in the future to incrementally restrict the recreational trails available for our use. In connection with the consideration of these ordinance changes, I would appreciate one or more maps showing the areas that will remain designated off-leash areas, as well as assurances that this clarified authority will not be used going forward to incrementally reduce areas available for off-leash use. As the wording stands, there is nothing to assure me that these changes are not the beginning of a process that will end in the demise of a benefit that I enjoy as a Minnetonka resident and hold dear. PS - In my perfect world, indeed there would be a place where dogs could go swimming; it’s fun!

I think this is a great idea, long over due! This ordinance would bring our city up to the standards (when the dog leaves the owners yard the dog must be leashed) of Eden Prairie and Edina, and probably many other I do not know about. (Edina encourages people to call 911 when they see an unleashed dog, and has signs posted that reflect that)
I do not know how many times I have walked or biked on trails and through the parks and have come upon unleashed dogs, (or they come upon me) supposedly under voice command, who have jumped up on me, ignoring the owner calling their name. When the owner is told the dog is suppose to be on a leash, they say it is on voice command. I have had dogs jump in front of me when biking, in one case the owner had 2 unleashed dogs, I was able to slow down, but not stop and hit the dog. Fortunately I was not hurt, neither was the dog. Another time the dog was on a long leash, and I announced I was passing, the own tried to retract the leash, but the dog pulled it out farther, and crossed the trail in front of me, fortunately I was able to stop but my tires skidded and I was sworn at and yelled at by the owner it was my fault that I was going too fast. I have also seen large aggressive dogs barking and trying to attack smaller dogs on the trails.

That said, I will say I have seen a few well trained dogs under voice command at the owners leg, but not many.

I certainly hope these ordinances move forward!

Add me to the list of those who stopped walking their leashed and trained dogs in Minnetonka parks due to uncontrolled dogs harassing us. Irresponsible owners ruined it for me. I loved Big Willow Park, but it became impossible to take my dogs there. The streets aren't safe either, because dogs cheerfully charge out of yards with or without invisible fences. "My dog is friendly," their entitled owners shout. "They never leave the yard," as dog is racing toward us in the street. Can't tell you how many times I came home shaking I was so upset. I finally took to carrying pepper spray, on the suggestion of Minnetonka police. I felt bad spraying dogs, but it was that or let mine loose, which would have ended worse for them. Funny thing, I could walk them both around crowded Lake Harriet and never had a single problem.
Dogs aren't the problem--entitled, irresponsible owners are. It's a pity we need more regulation, but sadly, we do.

Why don't we make one park an off leash park. Purgatory seems to be the perfect park for dogs to be off leash. Please consider this.

Need to make this happen. My dog experience walking throughout Minnetonka is not a good. Too many times people think they emphatically know the mind of their pet - while it's charging at me and ignoring their verbal commands. Repeatedly, I've had to run or stand my ground against aggressive, uncontrolled pets.

Also on-leash means around the pet and connected/attached to the owner. Not just on the pet! I've seen pet owners walking along side a leashed pet without control of the pet.

I do not support the continued allowance of retractable leashes of any length. Retractable leashes provide a false sense of security. The owner does not have true control of their canine using these devices.

I do support a requirement that dogs be on leash always, but feel the new ordinance should add the statement that off-leash in unfenced yards is NOT allowed. Reason: in 2023 my dogs who were on leash in our yard were attacked by a dog who ran off from its owner from two homes away. That dog caused both of mine bodily harm. My dogs required veterinary care. The incident was documented by the veterinarian and Mtka police.

Further, not all houses or housing developments can be fenced. Thus, a universal on-leash ordinance is best.

I do not support parks like Jidana or Evergreen Victoria, for example, being off-leash. These amenities serve as wildlife habitats that should be respected as such. They are not extensions of peoples’ yards. 9 times out of 10, a dog that an owner thinks is under voice command is actually not. Dogs being off-leash in areas where leashes are required is very stressing to owners and dogs who abide by the rules.

A simplified and universal rule would help clarify signage in parks. Signs should state clearly and plainly: “Dogs must be on leash in this park.”

Thank you for this ordinance. The suggestion that there only a limited number of aggressive dogs in limited areas of the city is untrue. We have experienced these issues at Spring Hill Park, where an owner made it clear that he wasn’t going to call his dog back even though it was getting in my boys’ faces. I did my best to shield them from it, but do not make it a point to go back with the fear of them getting bitten or worse.
Similarly, in another instance, a man had his dog running through the park, all the while not realizing that my boys were patiently waiting for him to vacate the area so they could play with the soccer nets that he was occupying. I do not feel comfortable sending the boys back to the parks to utilize these facilities because of the issues with the dogs.
Finally, to the person that suggested that soccer fields be used for places for dogs to run. I do not want to step in the poop that will be left behind (or worse).

Congratulations to Minnetonka City policymakers and staff for notable improvements in the condition and maintenance of Minnetonka’s exemplary Parks,Trails and Community Preserve System in recent years.

In similar spirit, it is appropriate to review and update ordinances governing dog leashing/leash-free practices in our Parks. Our increasingly attractive Parks will entice more public usage and thus, more interface between the general public (including student study groups) and dogs/ dog owners. Clear rules of expected behavior are necessary.

Included in the mix of plans and rules should be the important resource of fenced dog parks- one for big dogs another for small dogs- each of generous size and easily accessible for dog owners. The example provided by Three Rivers Park at Fish Lake is relevant.

Fenced dog parks would provide a convenient option for dog owners wishing to avoid direct contact with walkers or study groups. Indeed, some dog owners might use the fenced dog park to avoid the potential liability risk if their dog were to cause accidental injury to walkers.

Fenced options are an important part of long range planning for full use and enjoyment of our wonderful Park Trails and Community Trails System.

Respectfully,

Jim H.

I agree with the dog leash ordinances proposed by the city. It isn’t overreach to find ways where all individuals, dog owner-walkers and walkers, can enjoy the trails in the many beautiful parks within the Minnetonka Parks system. The current ordinance is difficult to enforce because of the lack of clarity. It causes frustration because everyone has a different view of what the current ordinance means.

These proposed ordinances respect the restoration efforts in all parks, not just Purgatory. These proposed ordinances respect that all have the privilege to enjoy our beautiful parks. The individuals in favor of these ordinances are not anti-dog. My husband and I have become friends with dog owners while walking the trails. It’s easy to make friends when the dogs are leashed and can be safely approached. Some individuals have had bad experiences with dogs that follow them throughout their lives. That’s an unfortunate truth. Some people have balance issues where dogs running by them or bumping them is a risk.

All individuals have a voice worth being heard. We might have different preferences, but it will serve us best if we try to understand the preferences and their origination.

I recognize these ordinances will change long-held patterns of use, especially for Purgatory Park. Change is difficult. That doesn’t mean change is automatically bad or wrong.

I believe off-leash areas will be most successful in designated off-leash fenced areas. I believe the fenced areas should be of significant size so the dogs have room to run. I also believe there should be a separate off-leash area for smaller dogs if owners determine they don’t want to mix with the larger dogs.

Everyone wants to feel safe in our parks. We all want to explore the beauty of Purgatory and we all want to feel part of a community that appreciates being in nature, whether with a dog or not. I know we can find a way forward if we’re all willing to actually hear and begin to understand the “boundaries” we have set in our own minds. Decisions made will affect all Minnetonka Parks and all people who enjoy our parks.
MaryH