At Mondays City Council Meeting the Council Voted 7-0 to keep the present ordinance in place as recommended by the parks and recreation advisory commission.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, the Council voted 7-0 to retain the current “Pets in Parks” ordinance, as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.Council member Ric Jones, who at one point was in favor voted against , raised concerns about people with disabilities and intellectual challenges who fear dogs. He emphasized their right to access Eagle Point Park, Murphy Park, and Flora Park, noting there are other areas available for people to take their dogs.

The Following Ordinance Will Remain.

The Dubuque City Park Dog Ordinance, part of the “Pets in Parks” initiative effective July 1, 2020, allows leashed dogs and cats in most Dubuque parks, parkways, trails, and open spaces. Key points:

• Permitted Areas: Leashed dogs are allowed in most city parks, except specific excluded locations.

• Prohibited Areas: Dogs and cats are not allowed in:

• Buildings or facilities listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• Nicholas J. Sutton Swimming Pool

• Veterans Memorial Plaza within Gerald “Red” McAleece Park and Recreation Complex

• Fenced-in sporting areas (courts, fields, rinks, arenas, skate parks)

• Playgrounds and recreational areas designed for children

• Bunker Hill Golf Course

• Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

• Eagle Point Park

• Marshall Park

• Murphy Park

• Unleashed Dogs: Permitted only in the Pet Park and at John G. Bergfeld Recreation Area ponds during out-and-back exercise (e.g., tossing a retrieval dummy).

• Owner Responsibilities:

• Bring pet waste bags and dispose of waste in garbage receptacles.

• Keep dogs leashed unless in designated off-leash areas.

• Unleashed or unattended animals may be impounded.

• Violations: Report to Animal Control at 563-589-4185 (normal hours) or non-emergency police dispatch at 563-589-4415 (after hours).

---