City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: 03/01/11 Item Number: A-3__
PRCS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: Report from the Recreational Activities and
Special Projects Subcommittee and Consideration of the Recommendations of the
Dog Park Ordinance Review Group.
Contact Person/Dept.: Pam Robinson,
Acting PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6724
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission (02/24/11).
Department Approval: Pam Robinson
(02/21/11).
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Fiscal Impact Approval: N/A City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commission receive a report from the Recreational Activities and Special Projects
Subcommittee on the recommendations of the Dog Park Ordinance Review Group
(DPORG), consider DPORG’s recommendations and take action as deemed
appropriate.
BACKGROUND:
On February 17, 2011 the members of the Dog Park Ordinance Review Group
(DPORG) held their second meeting related to the Ordinance review. The primary
objective of the group is to determine whether or not the Rules and Regulations for
the Culver City Dog Park (the Boneyard), as stated in Culver City Municipal Code
Section 9.10.400 (Attachment A), need revision now that the Dog Park has been in
operation for almost seven years. The DPORG is not a City committee, but instead
is a work group that includes two PRCS Administrative Division staff members, a
representative from the City Attorney’s office, two representatives from the Friends
of the Culver City Dog Park and the members of the PRCS Commission
Recreational Activities and Special Projects Subcommittee, Chair Hudson and
Commission Kim.
DISCUSSION:
At the first meeting of DPORG, two main concerns regarding public participation at
the Dog Park were raised: (1) Potential dog-on-dog aggression related to the
presence of intact male dogs, and (2) potential problems related to children’s
behavior in the Park. In advance of the second meeting of the DPORG, a packet of
information was emailed to members in order to inform the discussion on February City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
17 (Attachment B). The packet contains information regarding the Los Angeles
County Spay/Neuter requirements and a Review of Dog Park Rules of forty-six (46)
cities/areas.
Intact Male Dogs
The Review of Dog Park Rules revealed that while only 9% of the rules specifically
stated that dogs must be altered (spayed/neutered) to enter the dog park, 85%
stated the only licensed dogs are allowed in the park. In Culver City and other
areas, a dog must be altered to be licensed. Therefore, staff collected information
regarding the licensing requirements of nearby areas and found that the following
included mandatory spay/neuter:
City of Los Angeles (covering or partially covering 128 zip code areas),
including:
• Bel Air
• Beverly Hills (the City of LA handles their animal licensing)
• Brentwood
• Century City
• Hollywood
• Pacific Palisades
• Playa del Rey
• Venice
• Westchester
• Westwood
All unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including:
• Baldwin Hills
• Ladera Heights
• Marina Del Rey
The City of Inglewood
In addition, these Cities do not require spay/neuter as part of their dog licensing
program but offer a discounted license fee to owners with altered dogs:
• Manhattan Beach – $18 altered / $50 unaltered
• Redondo Beach – $20 altered / $40 unaltered
• Santa Monica – $16.30 altered / $54.70 unaltered
After discussing this and other information, the DPORG determined that the most
effective and efficient way to address potential problems related to the aggressive
behavior associated with many intact male dogs is to: 1) continue to rely on the City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
existing regulations, which prohibit aggressive dogs in the Park and require all dogs
that use the Park to be licensed; and 2) post additional signage at the Dog Park
highlighting the rule that a dog must be licensed to use the Park and providing
further detail regarding Culver City’s licensing requirement, particularly the fact that it
includes mandatory spay/neuter. A draft of a sign that was developed based on this
recommendation is included as Attachment C; the actual sign will be 11” wide by 17”
high.
The Behavior of Children at the Dog Park
The Review of Dog Park Rules indicated that 61% of the rules specified that children
must be supervised by adults while in the dog park. Language prohibiting children of
was found in 28% of the rules. When reviewing the rules, staff found that it is
common among cities to have both a formal set of rules, such as those that might be
contained in a City Ordinance, and set of behavioral rules or “Rules of Etiquette” that
apply to dog parks.
Since the existing Culver City Dog Park Rules and Regulations clearly states that
“Children twelve (12) years of age and under are not permitted in the Dog Park,
unless accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times” (Section 9.10.400-B),
the DPORG determined that the most effective and efficient way to address any
potential problems related to children’s behavior at the Park is to post additional
signage at the park which highlights the existing regulation, explains what
“supervision” means for parents and describes the ways children and the adults who
accompany them are expected to behave in the Park. A draft of a sign that was
developed based on this recommendation is included as Attachment D; the actual
sign will be 11” wide by 17” high.
Summary
In summary, the DPORG recommends that both the concerns regarding intact dogs
and the behavior of children be addressed through additional signage at the Dog
Park. The presence of such signage will assist participants in “self-policing” the Park
to deter unwanted behavior and enhance user experiences at the Park. It should be
noted that both draft signs (Attachments C and D) are open to review and discussion
by the full Commission.
DPORG recommends a three month trial period for the temporary signage,
commencing when the Dog Park reopens. At the end of three months, the DPORG
will meet to discuss how the signs have been received at the Park, if this solution
has adequately addressed the concerns and whether or not the language on the
sign should be revised in any way. Once the language on the signs has been
finalized, permanent signage will be installed at the Dog Park.
The members of the Recreational Activities and Special Projects Subcommittee may
want to comment on and/or add to the information presented in this report. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
The fiscal impact associated with temporary signage is minimal and will be absorbed
by the PRCS Department budget. When the estimates for the permanent signage
are available, staff will contact the Friends of the Culver City Dog Park to inquire as
to if they are willing to help cover the cost.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Culver City Municipal Code Section 9.10.400: OFF LEASH DOG PARK –
RULES AND REGULATIONS
B. Information Emailed to the Dog Park Ordinance Review Group on February 15,
2011
C. Draft Sign – Culver City Dog Licensing Requirements (NOTE: The actual sign
will be 11” wide by 17” high).
D. Draft Sign – Rules of Etiquette for Children and the Adults who Accompany
Them to the Culver City Dog Park (NOTE: The actual sign will be 11” wide by
17” high).
MOTIONS:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
1. Receive a report from the Recreational Activities and Special Projects
Subcommittee; and,
2. Consider the recommendations of the Dog Park Ordinance Review Group; and,
3. Take action as deemed appropriate.
MEETING DATE: March 1, 2011
AGENDA ITEM: Report from the Recreational Activities and Special
Projects Subcommittee and Consideration of the
Recommendations of the Dog Park Ordinance
Review Group.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
A. Culver City Municipal Code Section 9.10.400: OFF LEASH
DOG PARK – RULES AND REGULATIONS
1 - 2
B. Information Emailed to the Dog Park Ordinance Review
Group on February 15, 2011
3 - 14
C. Draft Sign – Culver City Dog Licensing Requirements
(NOTE: Actual sign will be 11” wide by 17” high)
15
D. Draft Sign – Rules of Etiquette for Children and the Adults
who Accompany Them to the Culver City Dog Park (NOTE:
Actual sign will be 11” wide by 17” high)
16
EXCERPT OF CITY OF CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 9.10: PARKS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY
Page 1 of 2
OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
§ 9.10.400 RULES AND REGULATIONS.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Code, a person may have charge, care,
custody or control of any dog in that portion of Culver City Park designated as the
Culver City Dog Park (the "Dog Park"), subject to all the following conditions
enumerated in this Section.
A. The person who has charge, care, custody or control of any dog:
1. Must ensure the dog is currently licensed, vaccinated and over the age of
four (4) months, and provide proof of licensing upon request by any City official;
2. Must not allow more than three (3) dogs to be in his or her charge, care,
custody or control while in the Dog Park;
3. Must use the appropriate areas of the Dog Park designated for "Small/Timid"
or "Large" dogs;
4. Is required to pick-up and dispose of the dog's feces in trash receptacles
both in and out of the Dog Park;
5. Must remain with the dog at all times while using the Dog Park, and is solely
liable for any and all injuries and/or damage caused by the dog;
6. Shall not permit a dog with a known communicable disease in the Dog Park
at any time;
7. Shall not permit a female dog in heat in the Dog Park;
8. Shall not permit an aggressive dog in the Dog Park;
9. Must have the dog restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding
six (6) feet in length at all times, except while inside the fenced areas of the Dog Park;
and
10. Must remove any pronged or spiked collar or choke collar from the dog
prior to entry.
B. Children twelve (12) years of age and under are not permitted in the Dog Park,
unless accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
C. No person shall bring a stroller, carriage, baby carrier, bicycle, skateboard,
scooter, children's toy, food, dog toy, dog treat or dog food in the Dog Park.
ATTACHMENT
AEXCERPT OF CITY OF CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
CHAPTER 9.10: PARKS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY
Page 2 of 2
D. No person shall bring any animal, other than a dog, into the Dog Park.
E. 1. No person shall conduct any activity at the Dog Park which may be an
immediate danger to the public's health, safety and welfare.
2. Such activity must cease immediately when asked to do so by a City official.
F. 1. Smoking is prohibited in the Dog Park.
2. The inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying of any lighted pipe, cigar,
cigarette, weed, plant or other combustible substance in any manner or any form is
prohibited.
G. No person shall enter or use the Dog Park when it is closed.
H. No person shall operate or conduct a business within the Dog Park, unless
permitted by the City.
I. The use of the Dog Park in the City by an owner of a dog or by a person having
charge, care, custody or control of a dog shall constitute an agreement, by said owner
or person having charge, care, custody or control of a dog, to protect, indemnify, defend
and hold harmless the City from any claim of injury or damage arising from or in
connection with the use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries arising
from dog bites.
J. 1. A person entering, using or visiting the Dog Park expressly assumes the
risk of any injury or damage which may arise from or in connection with such entrance,
visit or use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries resulting from dog bites.
2. The City shall not be liable for injuries or damages arising from or in
connection with the use of the Dog Park, including but not limited to, injuries resulting
from dog bites, by an owner of a dog or by a person having charge, care, custody or
control of a dog.
(Ord. No. 2004-015, § 3)
§ 9.10.405 PENALTIES.
Any person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of § 9.10.400 shall be
guilty of an infraction, and may be subject to a fine not to exceed $100 per violation.
(Ord. No. 2004-015, § 4)
ATTACHMENT
A
INFORMATION FROM PRCS DEPARTMENT STAFF
DATE: 02/15/11
TO: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Chair Hudson
and Commissioner Kim; Friends of the Culver City Dog Park
Representatives Mr. Peter Vogel and Dr. Dean Gebroe
FROM: Patricia Mooney, PRCS Senior Management Analyst
THROUGH: Pam Robinson, Acting PRCS Director
SUBJECT: Information for the Dog Park Ordinance Review Group
The attached documents were requested and are presented for your information:
Page(s)
Los Angeles County Spay/Neuter Requirements – the
City Council amended the Culver City Municipal Code to
include these on September 25, 2006
2 - 4
Review of Dog Park Rules Relating to Children and
Spaying/Neutering of Dogs – Summary
5
Review of Dog Park Rules Relating to Children and
Spaying/Neutering of Dogs – Details
6 - 12
Please note that although it was found that only 9% of the 46 rules reviewed specifically
state that dogs must be spayed/neutered, 85% state that only licensed dogs are allowed
in the dog park. In Culver City and other areas, a dog must be spayed/neutered to be
licensed. Staff is currently researching licensing requirements in surrounding cities to
see which ones include mandatory spay/neuter. This information will be sent to the
members of the group via email as soon as it is available.
Thank you.
Attachment B - Page 3
ATTACHMENT BAbout Us
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For the Record
IMPORTANT CHANGES
TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE
REGARDING DOGS
In an effort to improve public safety and reduce the number of stray dogs overwhelming our
animal shelters, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed an ordinance that
requires all residents of unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County to have their dogs
spayed or neutered and have an identification microchip implanted in each dog. The
measure applies to all dogs over the age of four months kept in unincorporated (non-
city) areas of Los Angeles County.
Contract Cities
The following cities have adopted the Spay & Neuter Ordinance: Cities
Spay/Neuter
This ordinance was passed to promote and protect public safety from the threats presented
by stray dogs, as well as to reduce the number of dogs flooding our animal shelters that are
subsequently euthanized. Low cost services are available and financial assistance is
available to qualified individuals.
Unsterilized dogs are creating a crisis in Los Angeles County. Stray dogs are public safety
hazards, and unsterilized dogs are more likely to stray. Stray dogs can bite or attack people
or other animals, cause traffic accidents, spread disease, damage property and harm the
quality of life for residents in a community. During the last fiscal year 23,799 stray dogs were
impounded by this department.
Unneutered males search for mates and are attracted in packs when female dogs come into
heat. One female in heat, even if confined, can make an entire neighborhood unstable by
attracting packs of male dogs intent on breeding. These situations often become dangerous.
Unsterilized dogs can create unplanned litters, and there are not enough available homes to
absorb this surplus. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is
overwhelmed with dogs. In Fiscal Year 2004-2005 the department impounded 40,174 dogs,
more than any other animal care and control agency in the nation. During that year 18,804
dogs were euthanized. Despite strong efforts to place dogs into new homes and reunite lost
dogs with their owners, there are still not enough adoptive homes available. This department
is committed to a “no-kill” philosophy. However, in order to reach that goal we must first
greatly reduce the numbers of dogs flooding our shelters. This ordinance will help us reach
that goal by reducing the number of dogs born or running loose in Los Angeles County.
Spaying and neutering also presents many health benefits for dogs. Certain types of
cancers in dogs are eliminated by spaying and neutering. Sterilized dogs are less likely to
roam and therefore less likely to be lost, hit by a car, injured in a fight, or abused.
By spaying or neutering your dog, you are helping solve the problem of pet overpopulation
and protecting your dog from potential harm. However, since some dogs cannot be spayed
or neutered for certain reasons, this ordinance has exemptions for these cases. These are:
Dogs which are unable to be spayed or neutered without a high likelihood of suffering
serious bodily harm or death due to age or infirmity. Written confirmation from a
licensed veterinarian is required to qualify for this exception.
1.
Dogs used by law enforcement agencies for law enforcement purposes. 2.
Service or assistance dogs that assist disabled persons. 3.
Competition dogs. A Competition Dog is a dog which is used to show, to compete or
to breed, which is of a breed recognized by and registered with the American Kennel
4.
Page 1 of 3 New Ordinance Introduction Page - Department of Animal Care & Control
2/10/2011 http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_045463.asp
Attachment B - Page 4Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA)
or other approved breed registries. The dog or owner must also meet ONE of the
following requirements:
The dog has competed in at least one dog show or sporting competition
sanctioned by a national registry or approved by the department within the last
365 days; or
a.
The dog has earned a conformation, obedience, agility, carting, herding,
protection, rally, sporting, working or other title from a purebred dog registry
referenced above or other registry or dog sport association approved by the
department; or
b.
The owner or custodian of the dog is a member of a department approved
purebred dog breed clubs, which maintains and enforces a code of ethics for
dog breeding that includes restrictions from breeding dogs with genetic defects
and life threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed.
c.
If you believe your dog meets one of these exemptions, please complete and return an
Exemption Application.
Microchips
Under this ordinance all dogs must have an identification microchip. Microchip implantation
and registration is available to all dog owners FREE of charge thanks to a generous
donation from the Found Animal Foundation. You may obtain your free microchip and
registration at any Los Angeles County animal shelter. Please call ahead to confirm
microchip clinic hours. Microchip Schedules
Positive identification that cannot be lost, falsified or altered is essential to reuniting lost pets
with their families. Microchipping of animals has become a customary practice – millions of
dogs and cats, horses, livestock, birds, wildlife and endangered species are chipped.
Microchipping is a simple, non-surgical procedure.
The microchip, which is approximately the size of a grain of rice, is injected underneath the
skin with a needle. There is no anesthesia required, and even the smallest animals such as
fish, puppies and kittens are safely microchipped. Each microchip has a code number
embedded in it. When a special, hand-held scanner is passed over the area where the
microchip has been implanted, the scanner “reads” the microchip and displays its unique
code number. That number is stored in a database that contains the owner contact
information.
Hundreds of thousands of lost pets have been reunified with their distraught families
because the pets were microchipped. While tags can become lost or damaged and tattoos
can fade or be altered, microchips provide permanent identification with unique numbers
that cannot be changed. Due to the presence of a microchip, this department has reunified
owners with pets that had been missing for as long as five years.
Low-Cost Assistance
Part of this new ordinance includes a $50 voucher program for senior citizens and low-
income residents who have a state-issued California Advantage Card. S/N Discount
Voucher Request Our agency also has a list of veterinarians who offer low-cost spay and
neuter surgeries and accept the vouchers our agency will issue as part of this program.
Participating Veterinary Offices
We also will conduct low-cost spay and neuter programs for dogs at many of our County
shelters and we are working with a wide variety of animal welfare groups who are active in
low-cost spay-and-neuter efforts. Ongoing spay/neuter opportunities will be made available,
and we encourage you to check our website and with your local County shelter to find out
opportunities in your area.
In addition, Actors and Others for Animals currently provides FREE spay or neuter services
for all Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. Call (818) 755-6045 or (818) 755-6323, or visit their website
at www.actorsandothers.com for more information.
Effective Date of Enforcement
This ordinance became effective on June 1, 2006. The current grace period has been
extended until March 1, 2007 to allow dog owners adequate time to comply with the new
requirements. However, owners of stray dogs that are impounded at a County shelter
during the grace period will be required to comply immediately. After the grace period has
ended, dog owners will be expected to be in compliance with this ordinance.
Page 2 of 3 New Ordinance Introduction Page - Department of Animal Care & Control
2/10/2011 http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_045463.asp
Attachment B - Page 5Fines and Penalties
A first violation of this ordinance is an infraction punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. If
the owner fails to correct the underlying cause of the violation within 30 days after being
notified of the violation, it shall be deemed a second violation. A second violation is a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed six
months or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each
subsequent violation shall be considered an additional misdemeanor.
The full text of this ordinance is available on our website. If you still want more information,
please visit your local County shelter, write to us at 5898 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA
90805, or e-mail us, using the link on our website homepage. You may also contact us by
telephone at (562) 256-7104. Staff is available to assist you Monday through Thursday from
6:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) – Click on link below:
Spay & Neuter FAQ’s
Microchip FAQ’s
Low Cost Services FAQ’s
Registries and Breed Clubs FAQ’s
License Fees FAQ’s
Page 3 of 3 New Ordinance Introduction Page - Department of Animal Care & Control
2/10/2011 http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_045463.asp
Attachment B - Page 6SUMMARY OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
46 Entities - 24 are in California
Require
License
Require
Spay/Neuter
Prohibit
Aggression
Must Supervise
Children
Prohibit
Children
1 Corona XX
2 Costa Mesa X XX
3 Foster City X XX
4 Huntington Beach-Best Friend DP XX
5 Irvine X XX
6 Laguna Beach X X
7 Long Beach X XX
8 Los Angeles-Sepulveda Basin DP X XX
9 Orange-Yorba Park X XX
10 Pasadena X
11 Rancho Cucamonga X XX
12 Redondo Beach X XX
13 Redwood City-Shore Dogs Park XX
14 Roseville X XX
15 Sacramento X XX
16 San Diego-Rancho Bernardo DP X XX
17 Santa Barbara County X XX
18 Santa Monica X X
19 Santee X
20 South San Francisco Bay Area X XX
21 Upland-Baldy View Dog Park X XX
22 Vacaville X XX X
23 Vellejo-Wardlaw Park X XX X
24 Westminster DP-Venice X X
1 Albuquerque, NM X XX X
2 Bellaire, TX X XX
3 Bismarck P&R District, ND X XX
4 Boone County, KY X XX
5 Burnsville, MN X XX
6 Cleveland, OH-Lakewood DP X XX
7 Dayton, OH X XX
8 Des Moines, IA-Raccoon River X X
9 Des Moines, IA-Windsor Heights X XX
10 Dorchester, MA-Ronan Park X XX
11 Fairfax County, VA X XX
12 Houston, TX X XX
13 Iowa City, IA X XX
14 Kingwood, TX XX
15 Phoenix, AZ X XX
16 Rarity Bay, TN XX
17 Reno, NV X XX
18 Satellite Beach, FL X XX
19 Seattle, WA X XX
20 St. Paul, MN X XX
21 Three Rivers Park District-MN XX
22 Tulsa, OK X XX X
TOTAL 39 444 28 13
PERCENTAGE 85% 9% 96% 61% 28%
Attachment B - Page 7REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
No Reference 7
Required 39
TOTAL 46
No Reference 39
Recommended 3
Must Be Neutered 4
STOTAL 46
U
M
M No Reference 1
A Unknown 1
R Not Allowed 44
YTOTAL 46
No Reference 5
16
12
13
46
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
Culver City - CURRENT (not
included in summary)
No reference. Not allowed. Children twelve (12) years of age and under are not permitted in the Dog Park,
unless accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
LICENSE REQUIRED
SPAY/NEUTER
AGGRESSIVE DOGS
CHILDREN IN DOG PARKS
Children Must Be Supervised
Children of a Specified Age Must Be Supervised
Children of a Specified Age Are Prohibited
Page 1 of 7
Attachment B - Page 8REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
CALIFORNIA
1 Corona No reference. Not allowed. Children fourteen years of age and younger must be accompanied and supervised by a
person at least eighteen years of age while in a designated dog park area, and such
children are not permitted to run, shout, scream, wave their arms, or otherwise excite
or antagonize dogs in a designated dog park area.
2 Costa Mesa No reference. Not allowed. •MONITOR your child’s activities, if you bring young children to the dog park. Do not
put your children at risk
•DOGS PLAY HARD running, tumbling, jumping, rassling – they are not looking out for
children and could knock them down, etc
•NO RUNNING; a dog’s instinct is to chase a moving object and/or try to herd them by
nipping at the heels
•NOISE; a screaming or crying child resembles an injured animal and will attract dogs
who could become excited and/or aggressive
•APPROACHING UNKNOWN DOGS; while your dog may be accustomed to children, not
all dogs are – teach your children to wait for the owner’s permission and to let the dog
come to them
•BALLS & DOG TOYS are dirty and belong to the dogs – teach your children to leave
them alone for health and safety reasons
•NO CLIMBING on trees or fences
•RECLAIMED WATER is used in the irrigation system & dog urine is present
everywhere, so keep small children from sitting on the ground or playing in standing
water
3 Foster City Spaying and
neutering
recommended.
Not allowed. Supervise small children.
4 Huntington Beach-Best
Friend Dog Park
No reference. Not allowed. CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE MUST BE WITHIN ARM’S REACH OF A
SUPERVISING ADULT – This is a Dog Park, not a playground or daycare center. While
children are not prohibited, they are not particularly welcome because it’s NOT safe.
It’s not fair to responsible dog owners to have to worry about children who misbehave
or dogs who may not be used to active children. If you bring children into the Dog Park,
you must supervise them, keeping them within arm’s reach and totally under control. If
your children create problems for owners and their dogs, you will be asked to leave the
Dog Park.
5 Irvine No reference. Not allowed. This is a canine park, not a child's playground. Toddlers are not allowed; other
children must be attended to at all times.
Page 2 of 7
Attachment B - Page 9REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
6 Laguna Beach No reference. Not allowed. No reference.
7 Long Beach No reference. Not allowed. Children must be supervised by adults. Children are not permitted to run, shout,
scream, wave arms or excite or antagonize dogs.
8 Los Angeles-Sepulveda
Basin Dog Park (Encino)
No reference. Not allowed. Small children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times. Please
discourage your child from running to minimize the chance of your child being
chased.
9 Orange-Yorba Park No reference. Not allowed. While inside the boundaries of any dog exercise area, an adult must accompany
minors under the age of sixteen (16).
10 Pasadena (MC) No reference. Not allowed. No reference.
11 Rancho Cucamonga No reference. Not allowed. No dog is permitted in the off-leash area except in the care, custody and control
of a person thirteen years or older. Children twelve years of age and younger
must be supervised by an adult while in the off-leash area.
12 Redondo Beach No reference. Not allowed. Children under 12 must be closely supervised at all times by an adult. (It is urged
that young children not be brought to the Dog Park for their own health &
safety. They must be close enough to hold your hand at all times!)
13 Redwood City-Shore Dogs
Park
No reference. Not allowed. This park is a designated "Dog Park". It is not intended as a children's
playground. Dogs in the park can and will often assume "natural canine
behavior" (run wildly while at play, etc.), which may not be a safe environment
for small children. Shore Dogs Dog Club recommends that you don't bring small
children into the park. Unaccompanied children are not allowed in the park --
you bring children at your own risk.
14 Roseville No reference. Not allowed. Children must be under supervision.
15 Sacramento No reference. Not allowed. Children less than 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
16 San Diego-Rancho
Bernardo Dog Park
Spaying and
neutering of dogs
is recommended.
Not allowed. Parents must closely supervise children. Parents must ask permission from the
dog owner for children to play with a dog.
17 Santa Barbara County No reference. Not allowed. Young children must be closely supervised.
18 Santa Monica No reference. Not allowed. No reference.
19 Santee No reference. No reference. No reference.
Page 3 of 7
Attachment B - Page 10REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
20 South San Francisco Bay
Area
No reference. Not allowed. Don't leave kids unsupervised. Small children should be very closely supervised,
or not brought to the park. Understand there is an element of risk.
21 Upland-Baldy View Dog
Park
No reference. Not allowed. POSTED RULE: Children under the age of 12 years old must be accompanied and
supervised by an adult. DOG PARK COURTESIES: Special note to Parents - Please
understand that some dogs may be not be safe with your child. Small children
are easily run over and knocked down by running or playful dogs. Herding
breeds may nip children in an attempt to “round them up”. Some have strong
instincts to chase prey and may mistake a child for a small or injured animal.
Some dogs may jump high enough to investigate babies that are carried in baby
packs.
22 Vacaville Un-neutered
males over the
age of six (6)
months will not
be allowed inside
the park.
Not allowed. Minor children must be accompanied by an adult. Parents should refrain from
bringing toddlers or small children into the park, unless they are willing to keep
the children out of harm’s way, totally under control and accept full
responsibility for their safety. Please remember this is a Dog Park and not a
playground for children. If your children create problems for owners and their
dogs, you may be asked by other participants to leave the Dog Park for safety’s
sake. Children should not run with the dogs or chase them while in the park.
23 Vellejo-Wardlaw Park All male dogs
entering this
park must be
neutered, no
female dogs in
heat allowed.
Not allowed. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult
at all times. Adults with young children (ages 1-5) must keep their children
within an arm’s length.
24 Westminster Dog Park -
Venice
No reference. Not allowed. No reference.
Page 4 of 7
Attachment B - Page 11REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
OTHER STATES
1 Albuquerque, NM Un-neutered male
dogs and female
dogs in heat shall
not be permitted
in the off-leash
dog exercise area.
Not allowed. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed inside the off-leash dog exercise
area unless accompanied by an adult. Parents must refrain from bringing
toddlers and small children to the dog park and at no time be allowed to run
with, or chase after dogs in the park.
2 Bellaire, TX No reference. Not allowed. No children under age 12.
3 Bismarck Parks &
Recreation District, ND
No reference. Not allowed. No children under 11 years of age on any field. Children under 11 may be in
the central corridor (not in dog "fields") if accompanied by an adult at all
times.
4 Boone County, KY No reference. Not allowed. No Children under the age of 16 is permitted unless accompanied by an adult.
Children have a tendency to scream and run when excited, which can trigger a
dog's prey drive or natural instinct to chase. For this reason and for the safety of
your children, we do not recommend bringing small children and infants into the
dog park.
5 Burnsville, MN No reference. Not allowed. For their safety, supervise children inside the park at all times.
6 Cleveland, OH-Lakewood
Dog Park
No reference. Not allowed. Children under the age of 16 shall not be permitted in the park without adult
supervision. It is not recommended that small children visit the inside of the
park.
7 Dayton, OH No reference. Not allowed. All children must be monitored and accompanied by a guardian at all times.
8 Des Moines, IA-Raccoon
River
No reference. Unknown. Raccoon River does not allow any children under age 11 (quoted from email).
9 Des Moines, IA-Windsor
Heights
No reference. Not allowed. All children under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult and parents
must supervise small children closely at all times.
Page 5 of 7
Attachment B - Page 12REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
10
Dorchester, MA-Ronan
Park
No reference. Not allowed. This is a playground for dogs, not children.Children under age 7 are not allowed
in the DRS, and children ages 7-13 must be supervised by an adult. Be sure you
teach your child how to behave properly in a DRS. Children should not run
around, scream, pick up and wave sticks, or approach animals that they do not
know.
11 Fairfax County, VA No reference. Not allowed. Children 8 years and under are not allowed in the off-leash dog area; children
ages 9 - 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
12 Houston, TX No reference. Not allowed. No children age 12 or younger are allowed in the Dog Park. Children ages 13
through 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Permitted children must be
supervised by the adult and behave appropriately: No running, shouting, chasing
dogs, or petting other people’s dogs without the owner’s permission.
13 Iowa City, IA No reference. Not allowed. All dogs must be accompanied by a responsible person at least 16 years old.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied and supervised by a
responsible adult.
14 Kingwood, TX No reference. Not allowed. Children under 9 are not permitted in the park. It is strongly urged that young
children not be brought to the park for their own safety.
15 Phoenix, AZ To discourage
aggressive
behavior, the city
of Phoenix
recommends that
dog owners only
bring animals that
have been spayed
or neutered.
Not allowed. Some dogs exhibit unpredictable behavior around small children. For the
safety of children please do not bring children under the age of 12 into the dog
parks.
16 Rarity Bay, TN No reference. Not allowed. No children under age 12 may be inside the Park. An adult must accompany
and constantly supervise all minors under age 18 while inside the Park.
Page 6 of 7
Attachment B - Page 13REVIEW OF DOG PARK RULES RELATED TO CHILDREN AND SPAYING/NEUTERING OF DOGS
CITY / AREA SPAY/NEUTER AGGRESSION LANGUAGE RELATING TO CHILDREN
17 Reno, NV No reference. Not allowed. Children must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. Children should be
discouraged from approaching or playing with strange dogs.
18 Satellite Beach, FL No reference. Not allowed. NO - Too many children and dogs to properly supervise. (One adult to supervise
several children, an infant, and the family dog is not enough. Make sure you can take
care of every creature you bring into the park.)
19 Seattle, WA No reference. Not allowed. You must closely supervise young children.
20 St. Paul, MN No reference. Not allowed. It is recommended that children be supervised by a parent or guardian.
21 Three Rivers Park District-
MN
No reference. Not allowed. Children must be closely supervised by adults and should be instructed about
proper behavior around dogs.
22 Tulsa, OK No dog more than
six (6) months old
which has not
been spayed or
neutered shall be
permitted within
an off-leash dog
park.
Not allowed. No person under 16 years of age shall be permitted to bring a dog
into an off-leash park area.
For safety reasons, children must be at least 12 years old and
supervised by an adult to use the dog park. Children must behave in a
responsible manner: no running, chasing dogs, or petting dogs without
the owner's permission.
The Dog Park is not a petting zoo or a place to “get the child over his/her fear of dogs.” While most dogs are curious and friendly, not all dogs are
child-friendly. Some have strong prey-chasing instincts and may mistake a baby for a small, injured creature. A running, screaming child attracts
attention and becomes a target for many dogs, because the child resembles an injured animal or running prey. Herding breeds may nip children in an
attempt to round them up. Children are just the right height to make direct eye contact with dogs, placing them at great risk from dogs which
consider this a confrontational challenge. Children are easily run over and knocked down by running or playful dogs. Dogs can jump high enough to
investigate babies in front- and backpacks. Children may pick up fleas and may contract intestinal parasites where dog urine and feces are present.
If you still decide to bring your child into the Dog Park—which you do at your own risk—please observe these safety precautions: Do not allow your
child to wildly wave his/her arms around. Do not allow your child to run and scream. Do not allow your child to play with toys in the park. Do not
allow your child to approach or pet a dog without the owner's presence and permission. Before coming to the park, teach your child what experts
suggest in an emergency situation: Never run. Hide face, fold arms, and stand still “like a tree”; or lie down, tuck arms and legs into the body, and lie
still “like a log.” Wait until the dog leaves or help arrives.
WARNING: The Dog Park is NOT a safe place for children. Therefore, it is strongly urged that small children not be brought into the park. The Dog
Park was created as a place for people to enjoy their dogs off-leash. There are plenty of other parks where children can safely play and socialize.
Page 7 of 7
Attachment B - Page 14
Maintenance: 310-253-6470 Report a Problem: 310-837-1221
SPECIAL NOTE TO DOG OWNERS: “The person who has charge,
care, custody or control of any dog must ensure the dog is currently
licensed, vaccinated and over the age of four (4) months, and
provide proof of licensing upon request by any City official” (CCMC
§ 9.10.400.A.1).
Culver City Dog Licensing Requirements:
The City of Culver City requires that all dogs over the age of four (4)
months have a current license (CCMC § 9.01.500; Los Angeles
County Code (“LACC”) § 10.20.030) and that the license tag must be
worn at all times (CCMC §§ 9.01.400.A.1 and 9.01.500; LACC §
10.20.180). To obtain a license, owners must show proof that their
dog:
To apply for a new license or to renew your current license, please go
to www.PetData.com and select “Culver City.” You may also contact
1-888-615-4350 for further information.
THANK YOU
Has a current rabies vaccination.
Has been spayed or neutered.
Has been microchipped.
(NOTE: ACTUAL SIGN WILL BE 11” WIDE BY 17” HIGH)
ATTACHMENT C
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ATTACHMENT D
Page 16