(A) The Director or designee is authorized to establish off-leash areas for dogs within designated areas of the city's parks and recreational areas. Signs designating an area as an off-leash area must be conspicuously posted at each entrance to the site.
(B) Dogs must be properly licensed by the City of Mansfield and have current rabies vaccination with corresponding tags displayed on each dog's collar.
(C) No person shall conduct professional dog training classes/business within the off-leash area.
(D) Areas posted as small dog areas are designated for dogs under 40 pounds only. Small dogs may play in the large dog areas at their own risk, but it is not recommended.
(E) The Park Board or Director may promulgate regulations, not inconsistent with this section, that govern off-leash areas for dogs. Such regulations must be conspicuously posted at each entrance to an off-leash area. The regulations must include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Use of an off-leash area by any dog or person constitutes:
(a) Implied consent of the owner, harborer, or person having care, custody, or control of the dog to comply with all conditions and regulations stated in this chapter or promulgated by the Park Board or Director and posted at the off-leash area;
(b) Assumption of the risk of injury or damage caused by any dog; and
(c) A waiver of liability to the city by the owner, harborer, or person having care, custody, or control of the dog, and an agreement and undertaking to protect, indemnify, defend, and hold the city harmless, for any injury or damage caused by the dog during any time that the dog is in the off-leash area.
(2) No person may bring into an off-leash area:
(a) Animals other than dogs;
(b) A dog which is a dangerous animal;
(c) A female dog in heat;
(d) More than three dogs at one time;
(e) A dog that is not wearing tags showing that it is currently registered and vaccinated in compliance with Ch. 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, § 826.021, and with Ch. 90 of the Mansfield City Code, § 90.22;
(f) A sick, injured or diseased dog;
(g) A dog that the owner has reason to know has dangerous propensities; and
(h) Dog toys, treats or food (human or dog).
(3) Any person who brings a dog into an off-leash area shall:
(a) Carry materials and implements for removing and disposing of dog waste and remove all waste deposited by the dog in the off-leash area, in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Lead the dog on a physical leash and retain the dog in custody when entering and exiting an off-leash area; electronic leashes are not allowed;
(c) Remove dog's leash, spiked collar, or pinch collar upon entering the off-leash area;
(d) Keep a leash visible for each dog at all times;
(e) Remain within the off-leash area with their dog(s) and be in visual and verbal control of their dog(s) at all times while in the off-leash area;
(f) Stop dog from digging and repair any damage done by their dog (i.e. holes dug by their dog); and
(g) Remove the dog from the off-leash area at the first sign of aggression by the dog.
(4) Children.
(a) Children under the age of 12 years are prohibited from entering the off-leash area;
(b) Children between the ages 12-16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, who agrees to be solely responsible for the child's proper behavior and safety;
(c) No person under 16 years of age shall be permitted to bring a dog into an off-leash area; and
(d) No person shall allow a child under their supervision to run with or chase dogs inside the off-leash area.
(Ord. OR-2197-20, passed 12-14-20)