Communities vary on permitting dogs in parks

APPLETON - The city is taking a close look at the potential impact of allowing dogs in parks after a movement from residents resurfaced recently.

A proposal to permit dogs in Appleton parks was brought to the Parks and Recreation Committee earlier this month, but was sent to city staff for further review. The committee will take up the proposal again on July 11.

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reviewed municipal ordinances and contacted other communities to determine how many are open to dogs in parks.

RELATED: Dogs in parks proposal held for review

RELATED: Will Appleton's parks go to the dogs?

Here's a sampling of responses:

In the Fox Valley:

Appleton: Leashed dogs allowed on city trails, not in parks.

Fox Crossing: Leashed dogs allowed on village trails, not in parks.

Grand Chute: Leashed dogs allowed on town trails, not in parks.

Kaukauna: Leashed dogs allowed on city trails, not in parks.

Kimberly: Leashed dogs allowed on village trails and parks, but not on sports fields.

Little Chute: Leashed dogs allowed in village trails, not in parks.

Menasha: Leashed dogs allowed on city trails, not in parks.

Neenah: Leashed dogs allowed on city trails, not in parks.

Statewide:

Eau Claire: Leashed dogs (on leashes no longer than eight feet) are allowed in city parks, but not in cemeteries, playgrounds, schoolyards or beaches.

Fond du Lac: Dogs are not allowed in city parks or trails that run through city parks, but are allowed on separate city trails.

Green Bay: Dogs are not allowed in city parks, but are allowed on park pathways and trails.

Janesville: Dogs are not allowed in city parks, except for May 15 to September 15.

La Crosse: Leashed dogs are allowed on city trails or park pathways, not in parks.

Manitowoc: Leashed dogs are allowed on city trails, park pathways or dog exercise areas, not in parks.

Oshkosh: Dogs are not allowed in city parks.

Racine: Dogs are allowed in select city parks.

Sheboygan: Leashed dogs are allowed on city trails and portions of parks, not all city parks.

Stevens Point: Leashed dogs are allowed in city parks, but not on playgrounds within city parks.

Wausau: Leashed dogs (on leash no longer than 16 feet) are allowed in city parks, but not playgrounds within city parks.

Madeleine Behr: 920-996-7226, or mbehr@gannett.com; on Twitter @madeleinebehr