A Letter to the Editor(s) — in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Here is a letter we wrote to the Editor about Dog Parks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
It was published in the August 5th News & Guide and the Planet JH Weekly!

————————————————————-

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to several negative comments I have read with regard to dog parks.

For ten years, PAWS of Jackson Hole has sought land on which to host a privately funded dog park. We believe there are many benefits that this type of recreational facility would offer our community. As a resort community, in the planning process we should consider the fact that Jackson is growing. An increasing number of people will continue to arrive into our town and many will bring dogs. Places like Vail, Breckinridge, Aspen, Sun Valley, Big Sky, and Park City have all seen the benefits of dog parks. These resort towns have already taken steps to provide a place for dogs to socialize off-leash and away from wildlife and other trail users.

It is our belief that a dog park is part of a vital array of offerings that would enhance the experience of both our residents and tourists. A dog park would reduce the number of dogs using public trails and pathways, thus resulting in a positive impact on wildlife and on those that prefer not to have contact with dogs.

Other benefits include the fact that:

• Dog parks offer off-leash spaces, which reduce the amount of time law enforcement officers spend enforcing leash laws.
• Dog parks reduce the amount of dog waste that is deposited on public and private property.
• Dog parks offer a convenient place for the elderly and people who work in town to take their dogs to socialize and train.
• A dog park would provide a centralized location for PAWS to facilitate a dialogue regarding what it means to be a responsible pet owner.

PAWS is aware that having a community dog park would require administration, and we are absolutely prepared to take on that role. We have never asked that the town or county allocate funds for this initiative, given that this project would be funded by private donations. So, those individuals who claim that “Governments are going broke and some want money appropriated for dog parks,” are grossly misinformed. We only ask that the town consider allowing dogs into one of the existing public parks, or taking an existing piece of land and allow us to host a park there.

Amy Romaine, Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Directors of PAWS of Jackson Hole

Be Sociable, Share!

•