Panel Urges Fenced Run for Dogs at Park

The Los Angeles Animal Regulation Commission Monday requested that a large section of Laurel Canyon Park be fenced off as the city’s first area for dogs to run free legally.

The request, which must be approved by the Recreation and Parks Commission, the City Council and Mayor Tom Bradley, comes on the heels of a crackdown on owners of unleashed dogs at the small park at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains in Studio City. The crackdown fueled a bitter dispute.

“I’d like to defuse the situation we have in Laurel Canyon Park,” said Commissioner William Putney, whose request to set aside two thirds of the park for the dog run was approved in a 4-0 vote.

Fencing Proposed

The other third of the park, used as a children’s play area, would be separated from the dog run by a four- to five-foot fence under the commission’s request.

Robert Rush, general manager of the city’s Animal Regulation Department, said Monday that the loose-dog problem appears to have diminished at the park. He said two officers who went to the park the last two weekends did not observe any loose dogs.

The leash-law enforcement crackdown at the park was requested by Councilman Joel Wachs, who represents the area. He said that constituents had complained to him about loose dogs interfering with their enjoyment of the park.

Wachs had no immediate response to the commission’s request, according to his deputy, Mark Siegel.

The action came after commission president Rita Hoisch reported on a trip last week to San Francisco, where she said dog runs have existed in city parks for 15 years without problems.