A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to promote the safety and comfort of persons using city parks and to keep such parks clean and free from animal excreta.
B. Prohibition: It is unlawful for any animal to be within any park owned or operated by the city, including, but not limited to, Countryside Park (between 61st Street and 59th Street) and Ideal School (9901 58th Street) except under those circumstances specifically provided for in subsection C of this section.
C. Exceptions:
1. The prohibition provided for in subsection B of this section shall not apply to leader dogs for the blind while providing guidance for an unsighted person, nor shall it apply to animals in such areas while taking part in an activity or event duly authorized or licensed by the city council or the police department of the city.
2. The prohibition provided for in subsection B of this section shall not apply from December 1 to March 1 in Countryside Park subject to the following requirements:
a. The city is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by any dog. Owners are legally responsible for any injuries caused by their dog.
b. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
c. Person walking the dog is responsible for the animal(s) at all times and is limited to walking no more than two (2) dogs at a time.
d. Owners of dogs showing aggressive behavior will be asked to leave the park and future use may be prohibited.
e. All dogs must have a valid license and current vaccinations. Dogs must wear a collar with vaccinations and ownership information.
f. Person walking the dog must pick up waste with provided bags and dispose of in trash receptacles.
g. All other applicable park rules remain in full effect and failure to follow park rules may result in eviction and/or prosecution as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code.
D. Violations: Any person who is the owner or harborer of any animal which is within any such designated area of a city park shall be deemed in violation of this section and shall be subject to penalty as provided in section 1-4-1 of this code.
E. Posting Of Signs: In all such restricted areas, the city shall post, or cause to be posted, appropriate signs stating that animals are prohibited therefrom.
F. Concurrent Application Of Provisions: This section is not meant to supersede or repeal any other ordinance or section of this code applicable to regulation or prohibition of animals within the city but is intended to operate concurrently therewith.
Prosecutions may be brought for violations of this section and any other applicable ordinances of the city, even when such prosecutions rise out of a single incident or occurrence. (Ord. 12-59-0, 10-10-2012)