Running at Large…Legally

December 12, 2008 by Carl H. Martens
Filed under Uncategorized

Hopefully the title of this post means nothing to you, but if it meant something then you and I both have had the unfortunate experience of being cited for a Roswell city ordinance for “running at large” because your dog was not on a leash outside.

I only need to tell a very short version of my story to make you appreciate local dog parks. The story goes like this: My Golden Retriever slipped out the front door as it was being opened and got in a fight with a neighbor’s Pitbull, another neighbor called the police, I am cited for my dog “running at large”, the fine is “judge imposed” so I must appear in court, I have the option of A) Paying $180 fine B) Spend 18 days in jail or C) Complete 16 hours of community service. I choose the later of the three.

Not common in the Chicagoland area I have learned to really love and appreciate…I mean really appreciate dog parks, especially now. Dog parks are a great place to take your best friend and let him or her run at large without the fear of court appearances, fines, service hours, or jail time…yes jail time! Your dog will love the experience and you’ll love it too as it is a great way to get rid of your dog’s excess energy!

Dogs can run free at the dog park at East Roswell Park located off Fouts Road. The $23,000 facility opened October 20th. Smaller than Piedmont Park’s dog park, East Roswell Park has a dedicated 1-acre fenced section of the park dedicated to “man’s best friend.” The dog park features park benches and a water fountain for both owners and canines. The minimum age for anyone to enter the off-leash area is 12 and all youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.