City OKs allowing pets on park trails

OSHKOSH - Pet owners who use trails or walkways in city parks soon will be able to bring their four-legged friends with them.

The Oshkosh Common Council approved the measure Tuesday, 6-1, allowing domesticated animals on leashes that are six feet or shorter to be on trails and walkways in city parks. Councilor Lori Palmeri voted against the proposal.

Owners still will need to clean up after and have full control over their animals at all times. Pets still would not be allowed in city park buildings, playground areas, picnic shelters, sports or athletics facilities, beaches, zoos, pools, splash pads, golf courses, cemeteries or special events areas.

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"Over the last five to 10 years, more communities have become more pet-friendly, not only in our region but across the state and across the country," Parks Director Ray Maurer said.

The Advisory Parks Board, which had endorsed the proposal, 7-1, originally discussed making the change on a two-year trial basis but later decided not to recommend implementing a trial period, Maurer said. Only a third of the city's three dozen parks have walkways or trails. Still, councilors heard several comments from members of the public about dog-walkers who don't clean up after their animals and how the city should enforce the existing ordinance.

Councilor Tom Pech Jr., who owns dogs, said he doesn't see allowing pets on trails or walkways as being any different than allowing them on city sidewalks or on the Wiouwash State Trail.

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"The interesting thing is we have to pass laws to basically make the irresponsible ones responsible," Pech said. "I, myself, am a responsible pet owner. I always carry bags with me when I walk my dogs. I find that shame is a wonderful thing. ... It's amazing how that works.

"It's all about being responsible," he said. "With rights come responsibilities; we can't forget that."

Appleton and Fond du Lac also are considering similar proposals, with the Appleton Parks & Recreation Committee voting, 3-0, Monday to continue not allowing dogs in city parks. The Appleton Common Council will consider the panel's recommendation at its July 20 meeting.

Reach Nathaniel Shuda at 920-426-6632 or nshuda@thenorthwestern.com; on Twitter: @onwnshuda.