(A) An "off leash area" is an area designated by the town in which dogs, under the effective control of their owners or handlers, may be off a leash.
(B) Rules and regulations; penalty.
(1) All dogs must be on a leash while entering and exiting the dog park.
(2) Dogs are not required to be on a leash while inside of the fenced area of the park. All dogs must be under the control of the owner/handler and there is a limit of three dogs per owner/handler in the park at any time. No dog may be left unattended in the park and must always be within view of and within voice control of the owner/handler. Dog owners/handlers must be physically capable of controlling their dogs and must prevent aggressive behavior, biting, fighting, and aggressive barking.
(3) Dogs showing any aggression must be leashed and immediately removed from the park.
(4) Dog owners/handlers must carry one leash per each dog under their control while in the park.
(5) Dogs under four months of age are not allowed in the park.
(6) Dogs must have current vaccinations to enter the park.
(7) Dogs must wear a collar with a current rabies tag and current city license tag while in the park.
(8) Dogs must be healthy and free of contagious diseases and parasites while in the park.
(9) Dogs in heat are not allowed in the park.
(10) Appropriate dog toys are allowed in the park, but not toys that are edible such as rawhides and bones.
(11) Dog owners/handlers are responsible for immediately picking up and disposing of all their dog's waste in appropriate receptacles.
(12) Dog owners/handlers must repair any damage caused by their dog (such as holes dug by the dog).
(13) Animals other than dogs are not allowed in the park.
(14) All children 16 years of age and younger must always be accompanied and supervised by an adult while in the dog park. Children under the age of ten are not allowed inside the confines of the enclosed area.
(15) No food (dog or human), glass or metal containers, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, strollers, carriages, smoking or alcohol are allowed in the dog park.
(16) Any person who violates the dog park rules may be removed from the park and may be prohibited from returning to or using the park.
(C) Signage. The town shall post and maintain clearly readable sign(s) in a visible location on or near the area, which signs shall provide notice regarding:
(1) Hours of operation;
(2) The rules and regulations of the dog park (with this full section posted under glass or protective plastic);
(3) A statement limiting the liability of the town, such as:
"Use of this park is at your own risk. Dog owners/handlers are responsible for the actions and behavior of their dogs and are liable for damages or injury inflicted by their dogs. The Town of Chestertown has no liability or responsibility for damage or injuries in the dog park. Park users assume all risk associated with use of the park and waive liability of the Town of Chestertown for any injury or damage caused by dogs or humans while accessing or using the park;"
(4) A violation or penalty provision; and
(5) Contact information for the Town of Chestertown and the Chestertown Police Department.
(D) Designated areas.
(1) The area currently designated for an "off leash area" or dog park, is located at the Margo Bailey Park on Rolling Road and is a sectioned off, fenced-in area. The "off leash area" or dog park at this location, will be known as the Stetson Dog Park.
(a) The town may from time to time designate other "off leash" or dog park areas.
(b) This section establishes the rules and regulations of current and future "off leash" or dog park areas within the Town of Chestertown.
(2) Hours of operation. The Stetson Dog Park shall normally be open from dawn to dusk daily. The Town of Chestertown may expand the hours, restrict public access, or close the park during these hours when it deems doing so appropriate.
(Ord. 03-2019, passed 2-3-2020)