Reining it in
Amid rise in complaints, City embarks on renewed campaign to educate dog owners
by Kathleen O’Connor
The dog days of summer have officially arrived. Here in Durango, this popular idiom takes on a more literal meaning as our beloved four-legged friends and their owners hit the trails, parks and open spaces to recreate and enjoy the summer sunshine. This common canine convergence on recreational trails has sparked a spirited discussion over the years concerning leash ordinances, highlighting the need for more conversations on allowing dogs to exercise and release their zoomies in outdoor spaces while also ensuring the safety and enjoyment of other outdoor enthusiasts.
In recent months, the City of Durango has renewed efforts to raise awareness around existing leash laws and the importance of responsible dog ownership. This push comes in response to the latest surge of community feedback regarding off-leash dogs in city-owned public spaces, particularly in popular areas like Horse Gulch and Overend Park.
“We get a lot of input from the community,” Owen Tallmadge, a natural resource manager with the City of Durango, said. “People are bringing up concerns over dogs off-leash on trails. Horse Gulch is a big one,” he said. These concerns range from minor incidents, such as cyclists nearly crashing due to unexpected dog encounters, to more serious issues involving nips or bites from unleashed dogs. Another reported concern is that leashed dogs are sometimes attacked by off-leash dogs that owners have difficulty controlling.
The City’s perspective on leash laws is clear: they exist to help everyone enjoy their park and trail experience. Beyond ensuring public safety, leash laws also protect wildlife and help maintain the cleanliness of public spaces. “The reason we ask people to have their dog on a leash is it helps everyone enjoy their park and trail experience,” Tallmadge said. “Subsequent to that, of course, are the safety issues of the dogs themselves. Especially if you have small children or if you’re on a bike. The safety of the public, as well as the dog, is important,” he added.
Wildlife protection is another essential aspect of leash laws. Incidents of dogs chasing wildlife, such as deer, have been reported. These encounters can harm dogs, wildlife and potentially disrupt the natural ecosystem.
Another concern is the management of pet waste, particularly in situations where an off-leash dog poops in an area their owners don’t notice, resulting in uncollected pet waste. While there has been significant improvement over the years, thanks to awareness campaigns and the provision of waste bags and receptacles at trailheads, it remains an important issue as the city continues to install more waste stations in response to community requests.
The city has recently launched several initiatives to promote leash law compliance and awareness. A recent “Dogs on Leash” photo contest garnered significant community engagement, with locals sending pictures of their dogs on leashes while on city-owned parks and trails. The city also provides free leashes at various trailheads, allowing open-space rangers to use them as conversation starters with dog owners who may be unaware of the rules. Tallmadge estimates they hand out around 100 leashes annually to dog owners on the trails.
Leash-law enforcement in Durango involves multiple agencies. Within the city limits, police officers, code enforcement, and the City’s open space rangers can all issue various levels of citations. La Plata County Animal Control can also enforce leash laws throughout the county on any public lands and public spaces. However, the current focus is more on education rather than penalties.
“We try to defer to La Plata County Animal Control,” Tallmadge said. “Our open space rangers and trail stewards are more about trail maintenance. They’re more the eyes and ears out in the open space. They talk with people, educate, inform and answer questions,” he added.
For those seeking off-leash options for their dog, the city points to the off-leash dog park at Smelter Mountain, an approximately 24-acre space by the Animas River where dogs can roam freely. In addition, dogs under strict voice control can be off their leash on Forest Service, BLM and other federal lands, including the Colorado Trail, Grandview area trails and the upper parts of Animas Mountain.
The city recognizes the need for more such spaces and is considering potential expansion or improvements to off-leash areas, as mentioned in its 2020 Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. As part of the Durango Mesa Park expansion plan, there are also talks of developing a designated off-leash dog area.
While these efforts are all positive steps, challenges do remain. The common refrain of “My dog is friendly!” often heard from off-leash dog owners, doesn’t address the core issues. As Tallmadge points out, “Just because a dog is friendly doesn’t mean that someone is comfortable having a dog come up to them, jump on them or be close to them. Especially if they have younger children or a dog that isn’t comfortable around other dogs,” he said.
Based on city feedback as well as an impromptu and unscientific survey on Nextdoor, many residents applaud the city’s efforts to balance the needs of dog owners with those of other trail users and wildlife, and appreciate the emphasis on education over strict enforcement. However, many also feel that dog owners need to practice more compliance with leash laws.
Looking ahead, the city plans to continue its awareness efforts through social media, its website and potentially more events or contests. Open space rangers and land stewards will continue to educate those on the trails with off-leash dogs. In the meantime, dog owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local ordinances, keep their pets leashed in required areas, and always clean up after their furry friends, hopefully contributing to a more harmonious outdoor experience for all.
As summer progresses and more people hit the trails with their canine companions, the hope is that increased awareness and mutual respect will prevail. After all, in a town that loves its dogs as much as its outdoor spaces, finding the right balance is key to ensuring Durango remains a paradise for two- and four-legged adventurers alike.?