Puppies Unleashed

In case you missed it, there's been a debate going on recently in the Soulard neighborhood about dogs on leashes. It followed the recent announcement by Alderwoman Phyllis Young that the city's Leash Law will be enforced. This announcement came as a result of multiple complaints by neighbors of "dogs running off leash on public streets and within the City parks".

The debate as been quite animated on the neighborhood community website Next Door. Like all good debates, this one has two sides; those that support the law and those that want to see the dogs run free. The loudest of "Doggie Freedom" crowd appears to be members of a group of neighbors who had been gathering at Pontiac Square Park just south of Russell. They have been gathering to socialize after work and allow their dogs to run free. 

Pontiac Square Park is a public space and thus is covered under St. Louis City Ordinance 10.04.220, which reads as follows:

"No owner/guardian of any dog shall permit such dog to be found at large on the streets of the City or in any public place or on another person's private property, unless such dog is on a leash, not longer than six (6) feet in length and held by or under control of a responsible person so as to effectively prevent it from biting any person or animal. All dogs are prohibited from running or being at large unless under restraint as described above"

There are many laws and ordinances out there that I don't necessarily agree with. This is one that I think that it sucks that it has to exist, but it's needed. This ordinance is in place both to protect the humans of St. Louis and the furry residents.

Several of the dog owners letting their dogs go unleashed in Pontiac and voicing their opinions are stating that the owners congregating there are responsible dog owners and no one is being harmed by their actions. The dog owners who brought their dogs to Wentzville's Quail Ridge Park probably thought the same thing. Buddy's owner probably thought that too.  That is, until Buddy was attacked and killed by another dog in the park earlier this year.Nick Andres, Buddy's owner, had this to say while talking about how he wouldn't be going back to the unregulated dog park.

HSMO Bark in the Park Video

Here's the video I helped the guys over at The John and Drew Show with promoting the Humane Society of Missouri's Bark in the Park Fundraiser

Bark in the Park Kick-Off Party

This Wednesday, International Tap House on 9th will play host to the Humane Society's Bark in the Park Kick-Off Party. The event starts at 6pm and details of this year's Bark in the Park event will be revealed.  I don't know what details there are to reveal, but here's what hooked me:

If you RSVP by tomorrow (4/24) your first drink is on the Humane Society of Missouri AND the first 50 people will receive a fancy Bark in the Park pint glass. Here's the link. Registration is FREE.

Here's some information on Bark in the Park that was in the email I got:

Bark in the Park is the largest dog festival in the Midwest. The family and pet-friendly event kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19th, with the Walk for Animals dog walk, followed by an afternoon full of entertainment, food, activities and fun – all while benefitting homeless animals. Proceeds from the event benefit the Animal Cruelty Fund – dedicated to investigating, healing and preventing animal abuse. Registration is $25 for adults and $5 for kids 15 and under and includes an official Bark in the Park t-shirt. Kids under three and pets are free! For more information and to register, visit www.hsmo.org/bark.

Yappy Hour at Frenchtown Dog Park Today

Here's a post today from the Frenchtown Dog Park Association about Yappy Hour today at Frenchtown Dog Park in Soulard, over by Gladstone's

Frenchtown Dog Park Association Don't forget! Yappy Hour at the Dog Park this afternoon, 4-?. Bring your dog and a tasty beverage (no glass) and enjoy the weather! See you there!