Daily Herald - No dogs allowed?

"“In an environment where there’s 1,000 people, it makes us nervous when we see these big dogs out there,” Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito said.

If an ordinance is approved later this month, residents would not be allowed to bring their four-legged animals —large or tiny — to public events, including the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, Freedom Four Run and recreation games at public parks, like soccer, football and baseball.

Executive Director Cory Atwell said often during outdoor games, large dogs stand on the sidelines next to a child that’s the same size. He said the park district is trying to avoid a situation in which a dog tries to bite a child’s ice cream cone and accidentally injures the child’s finger, too.

Administrators and coaches would be responsible for enforcing the codes, and if residents refuse to comply, local police would be called. Signs also would be put up outdoors throughout park district facilities.

“We feel very comfortable with this, but the difficulty is enforcing this,” Executive Director Cory Atwell said. “Most people are probably going to be pretty good, but you are going to run into someone who will (stand at the border) or something.”

Dogs already aren’t allowed at soccer games because of frightened children who are scared when owners take their dogs off the leash and let them run around loose."

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How does the park district pass an ordinance that is enforced by the police?

From Atwell's statement, "you are going to run into someone who will (stand at the border) or something", does this mean no dogs are allowed in any park when there is an organized park district activity? There are public sidewalks around many parks that people walks dogs and those sidewalks are near the fields.

We own a lab. A very docile lab. I have never understood the fascination that people have with bringing their 100+ pound dogs to events such as the Jazz Fest, fireworks, regatta and the 4th of July parade where there is so much noise that the dog has to be going loopy. Part of the family or not...use the f-ing head that God put on your shoulders and leave the dog at home. Take them for a walk later. Seriously...they won't care.

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Originally posted by Clamato:
We own a lab. A very docile lab. I have never understood the fascination that people have with bringing their 100+ pound dogs to events such as the Jazz Fest, fireworks, regatta and the 4th of July parade where there is so much noise that the dog has to be going loopy. Part of the family or not...use the f-ing head that God put on your shoulders and leave the dog at home. Take them for a walk later. Seriously...they won't care.

Used to be a lawyer and real estate agent who both brought their dog to every closing. Chutzpah.

Some people like to bring their dogs to events, but that does not mean they are not using their "f-ing" heads. But I guess anything to stir up a little controversy, huh.

Not only that, but people like to bring their dogs for protection (even if the dog is not mean). Of course not to events, but walking in the park just after work or alone during the day. Any dog can scare away someone with bad intent.

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Some people like to bring their dogs to events, but that does not mean they are not using their "f-ing" heads. But I guess anything to stir up a little controversy, huh.

I have a big spoon...a really big spoon.

Never mentioned anything about walking dogs through parks...but explain to me why you would find it a good idea to bring your dog to Jazz Fest where the music is loud and the crowds are thick, or the 4th of July parade in the heat with the sirens and bands scary the **** outta these poor beasts. I've seen it time and time again.

I....LOVE....DOGS. With a capital "L". Sometimes they are best left at home. Like when there are large crowds, loud music, sirens and small children that are afraid of doggies. Don't get me wrong...I understand the "look at me" factor of having a nice dog...and the positive comments and outpouring of public can be so awesome, but dogs and public events really don't go together. Unless, of course, it's a pet parade...then it would be really stupid to leave your dog at home.

Do you really disagree with this common sense?

I agree completely Clam. I LOVE dogs too (though my husband is opposed to owning one) and know that they can be a lot like children: The animal may be very well-behaved and predictable alone and with some dogs but with others, they may act up. Teachers refer to this as "chemistry" - you know how your kid plays really quietly and politely with one friend but acts like a freakin' maniac with another...it's like that. I support the ban at big events.

Well, I guess I will have to ask my dog what she would like better, sitting at home or being outside with her Mom and Dad. But of course she can't respond, so I will go by what I think she would say. "Are you kidding me, I would love to be outside walking, getting exercise, and spending time with family". But, of course you make some valid points, such as it is too hot outside. In that case, I would probably not leave the house myself.

I guess I responded because I ALWAYS bring my dog to the boat regatta and the 4 of July parade and she really seems to love it. Cause she loves being outside and loves people. But you are right about the Jazz fest, too loud and besides, it is downtown anyway.

But on another note, if you cannot control your dog, you should not bring them to these at all.

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If an ordinance is approved later this month

Make me laugh some more GE. You guys don't enforce the ordinances which already exist to protect our well being.

6-2-2.6: VAGRANCY
3-1-11: NUISANCES:

So now you decide to focus on Rover. HA,HA,HA,HA,HA,HA!

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Administrators and coaches would be responsible for enforcing the codes, and if residents refuse to comply, local police would be called. Signs also would be put up outdoors throughout park district facilities.

Really...making the public once again responsible for enforcing your codes. Nice!

I smell a dog protest march ending with a 'sit-in' at Glen Ellyn Place...

...common sense should be a part of every activity. The thing is - everyone has their own idea of what is common sense. Hmmm... We love dogs. Love them enough to leave our dog home on the 4th of July, taste of Glen Ellyn and for the jazz fest. Way to many people and noises. However, when attending our kids soccer games and softball games we sit quietly, with our dog - either at the end of the field or down the foul line so we don't bother anyone. Should those of us who take their dogs out in public AND use common sense be treated as criminals? This new idea is ridiculous.

Oh man, thank god, someone on my side.

I'm with Titus, although I'd go further to say that I've no problem with bringing dogs to fireworks or Jazz Fest, etc. There are plenty of dogs who sit stone still as their owners blow off shotguns a few feet from them and don't mind a bit.

This should be left up to the owners. I think that GE dog owners are relatively responsible ones. I think its much more likely that some kid will break their arm jumping off a swing than for Fido to accidentally bite a kids finger when going for their ice cream cone. (What a lame quote that was )

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
I have never understood the fascination that people have with bringing their 100+ pound dogs to events such as the Jazz Fest, fireworks, regatta and the 4th of July parade where there is so much noise that the dog has to be going loopy.

Clam, I've had a dog that was so terrified of thunder than when the wind picked up, like before a storm, he'd start drooling and pacing, whether it wound up raining or not. I've also had a dog that snoozed in the yard as I blew firecrackers off on the Fourth of the July. Not all dogs have a problem with noise and many love going out into crowds with their owners. All depends on the dog. Don't see why the Park District has to make such a limp-wristed move. This is probably just an insurance thing.

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Originally posted by hwzdavu:
Oh man, thank god, someone on my side.

There is nothing but love here. Love for all.

And I think you know that I will never stand up for any department in this village's government. It's them against us, oddly. But you must admit that a large percentage of the general public seems to lack the smarts to figure out what is appropriate and what is not. And it isn't limited to dog ownership. Did I say that it was a good idea to have the village to mandate where you should bring your dog? No. Of course not. Especially not coming out of Mr. Atwell's mouth. Out of spite...I would say we should have weekly dog fights at Lake Ellyn Park with mandatory attendance by all first graders in districts 41 and 89. What I did say is that a lot of people seem to think that others will love to mingle with their jumpy-a$$ doggies as much as they do...assuming, of course, that they are jumpy-a$$. My guess is that none of yours suffer from this problem. And speaking for a lot of 4 year-old ice cream eaters...your dogs are better off being walked around the lake, down the Prairie Path and in town. And left at home when it's hot and crowded and loud. It's like smoking. I'm not advocating that you do not include your dogs in your lives...I'm telling you that I understand why others don't want to involve your dogs in their lives. FWIW, I usually welcome every dog that is walked down my street when I am outside. Dogs love me.

Trust me...these dogs, they speak to me. This is what they want.

Peace and love to all.

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Originally posted by Clamato:

quote:

Originally posted by hwzdavu:
Oh man, thank god, someone on my side.

FWIW, I usually welcome every dog that is walked down my street when I am outside. Dogs love me.

Do they mark you too?

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Trust me...these dogs, they speak to me. This is what they want.

Clam is really Ceasar Milan?

Yes....I am.

So, what about the parents who walk their kids to school (elementary, my dear Watson) with the dogs, in spite of the signs that say, "No Dogs"? I love dogs, too. If I could talk my husband into it, I'd have one or two. But much like other people's children, not all dogs are so well-behaved. I have to agree that it seems easier to just keep them home from events, sporting, jazzy and otherwise.

Oh, and one more thing. Dog owners, please keep leashes on your dogs when you do have them out and about. I'm not always in the mood to get sniffed. Thanks.

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Originally posted by littlegoesalongway:
I'm not always in the mood to get sniffed. Thanks.

You've obviously know my dogs!

I'd rather the park district ban the sale of ice cream. This would remove the temptation from those crazy ice cream eating Chihuahua's that are terrorizing "the children".

Hmmm. Maybe we should ban the sale of ALL food at the parks. What if someone chokes on a stale pretzel? What if a kid gets a hot dog stuck in their throat? Lets make the parks REALLY safe!
Perhaps they could erect fencing around all the parks - like the one around the skateboard park, with a turnstile and a sign that says "enter at your own risk"

As for the dogs by the school, I understand prohibiting the dogs from school grounds. Unfortunately the power crazed administrators of district 41 once went so far as to claim we were not allowed to have our dog on the sidewalk across the street. They obviously make up rules as they please, cite "insurance" policies and other unsubstantiated laws (all in the hope you'll bow to their "superiority")