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The following are people with proven experience and credentials, some of whom have spent their lives studying and working with dogs: -Dr. Judith Blackshaw, Assoc. Professor, Animal Behavior and Welfare, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, author of "Public Open Space and Dogs"- "The first step is formal recognition that dog owners are as legitimate as any other group of clients". -Dr. Priscilla Stockner, veterinarian, Escondido, CA. "One dog park is on school grounds. You never see dog poop there because there is such good cleanup." -Dr. Niels Pedersen, Director, Center for Companion Animal Health, University of California at Davis. "The good news for animal lovers is that 99.9% of human illness comes from other humans, not animals." -Dr. Matthew R. Bigelow, San Diego veterinarian. "Dogs need exercise and socialization the same as humans do." -Dr. David Zanders, San Diego veterinarian. "Most children are bitten when unsupervised...so that is ridiculous as evidence against off-leash dog parks." -Dr. Kirk Feinberg, San Diego veterinarian. "In 15 years I have never seen a person bit in a park-like setting. Bites occur at home or near home." -Dr. A. J. Hardy, San Diego veterinarian. "Off-leash exercise areas are needed in our communities...If the area is fenced in, it would facilitate the cleaning effort." -Dr. David Collins, San Diego pediatrician, Children's Hospital. "...glad to write, supporting the idea of more off-leash areas for dogs." Dr. Collins established the Canine Therapy program at Children's Hospital. -Dr. Dennis Fetko, behaviorist, trainer, teacher, author, consultant, dog bite specialist. "...if a dog is under- exercised, then by definition, it is more susceptible to stress, and fear, and trauma and dominance...it is more likely to injure children or anybody else..." -Gene Gordon, City Attorney's office, San Diego, CA. "There is no basis of liability against the City of San Diego for a dog bite at a leash-less beach or park. Any argument...is bogus. -Steve Hartman, Turf Manager, North City Youth Baseball. "We at NCYB support the use of the middle/mustang field as a leash-free dog area...we have enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the dog owners...We consider them an asset, not a liability. -Rick Johnson, Exec. Director, Marin Humane Society, Novato, CA "You must educate your Park and Rec. people that it's O.K. to set aside Park and Rec. revenue for dog parks. Budgets are available. Sports fees do NOT cover the use of parks by sports groups." -Bob Burkhardt, dog trainer, Poway, CA. "We have had no bites, no problems..." Also, "the City Council directed Park and Recr. Dept. to check with Berkeley and N.Y. City. Results: no negative responses..." -Jessica E. Fulginiti, Canine Legislation Liaison, The American Kennel Club. "Dog parks are extremely beneficial to dogs, dog owners and the community...They encourage responsible pet ownership and dog socialization which helps keep animal control problems to a minimum."
-Howard Wayne, Assemblyman, 78th District, San Diego. "It's a wonderful idea. We need more off-leash parks." -Phil T. Hester, Manager of Parks, City of Long Beach, Dept. Parks, Recreation and Marine. "We have no problems of dog fights since this area is considered neutral territory by the dogs...The group is very good about daily cleaning." -Janet Hornreich, Humane Society of the United States. "The Humane Society supports the concept that local government can facilitate owner responsibility by providing a good, safe place for dogs to interact and socialize with owners and other dogs." -John Etter, Parks Planning, Public Works, City of Eugene, Oregon. "Testimonials include the fact that people have moved into a neighborhood because of their existence...There have been no complaints about people having failed to clean up after their dogs." -Ann Krohn, Portland, Oregon Parks & Recreation Dept. "Coming to a park is their chosen form of recreation, much the same as jogging or biking. They are legitimate park users."
Compiled
by Helen McKenna
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