Dogs allowed off leash again in parts of EBRPD parks
Two dogs are seen lying together on the ground in a file image taken Feb. 9, 2020. (Photo by Vyacheslav ProkofyevTASS via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, Calif. - Dogs are once again allowed off leash in designated areas of East
Bay Regional Park District parks, the district said Wednesday.
Park officials required all dogs to be on a leash in March when
the coronavirus pandemic began in an effort to prevent crowds and potentially unsafe interactions between park visitors.
As of Friday, the district's leash rules have returned to their
pre-pandemic state. According to the district, dog walkers account for 39 percent of park users, second only to hikers.
"The restrictions have helped keep parks and trails open and
safe," parks district General Manager Robert Doyle said. "Regional parks, now more than ever, play an important role in maintaining mental health and providing places where people and their pets can exercise in a safe, socially distant manner."
Dog owners must keep their pets in view and under control when
they are off leash and dogs must be placed back on a leash when they threaten, harass or chase other dogs, wildlife and park visitors.
Park users can find more information on park rules for dogs at
ebparks.org/PupPro.