§ 6.04.218. Designation of dog parks, off-leash areas; rules and regulations; penalties for offenses.

(a)

Dogs may be allowed to run at large only in dog parks and off-leash areas as designated by the Wichita City Council. The designation of such parks and off-leash areas shall be made at the recommendation of the Director of Park and Recreation and the Chief of Police or designee.

(b)

It shall be unlawful for any dog owner to violate any of the following regulations regarding the use of any City designated dog park or off-leash area in a park owned by the City of Wichita:

(1)

All dogs that enter the park must be over five months of age, not in heat, and have a valid license and current rabies vaccination with an accompanying tag. The tag must be securely affixed to the dog's collar at all times.

(2)

All dogs must be leashed when entering or leaving the park's fenced enclosures and owners must retain possession of the leash at all times when within the parks fenced enclosure.

(3)

Owners must be at least 14 years of age and remain within the park's fenced enclosure and in control of all dogs under their care at all times when within the park. Owners are limited to three dogs per visit.

(4)

Owners shall immediately pick up their dogs' excrement and deposit it in the designated receptacle.

(5)

Aggressive, vicious or contagious dogs are prohibited from use of the park.

(6)

Owners shall immediately close and secure the gate upon entering or exiting the confines of the park's fenced enclosure.

(7)

Entrance within the park in violation of its posted hours or when closed is prohibited.

(8)

No animals, other than dogs, may be brought into the dog parks.

(9)

Dogs must never be left unattended. The dog owner must be in reasonable control of his or her dog(s) at all times and keep a leash available at all times.

(10)

Dogs may not be brought into the park if they are sick or unhealthy, have a history of aggressiveness, or have been adjudicated a dangerous dog.

(11)

No food or treats for human or animal consumption, rawhide chews, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, motorbikes, scooters, or roller blades will be allowed in the dog park area. Littering is prohibited. Smoking is prohibited inside the park and within ten feet of the park's parameter.

(12)

Dog owners must immediately fill any holes their dogs dig.

(13)

Professional dog trainers and behaviorists are not permitted to use the park to conduct their business.

(14)

All owners must have in his or her possession a baggy or some other form of equipment to clean up after his or her dog(s). All waste must be placed in a bag and placed in a waste receptacle provided at the park.

(15)

No large dogs (over 25 pounds) will be allowed in the small-dog areas of the dog park. Such areas will be clearly marked.

(16)

No small dogs (under 25 pounds) will be allowed in the large dog areas of the dog parks. Such areas will be clearly marked.

(17)

All dog bites must be reported to Animal Services. If a bite occurs, the dog's owner must exchange his or her name and phone number with the victim of the bite.

(18)

The City of Wichita, the Director of Parks and Recreation, and the Chief of Police or designee reserve the right to close a dog park for maintenance and repair, public safety reasons or for special events.

(c)

It is unlawful for any person to:

(1)

Enter or remain in a dog park at such time as such park is closed to the public as set out herein or at such time as provided for under the rules and regulations adopted by the Chief of Police or designee and Director of Parks and Recreation.

(2)

Fail to immediately leash and restrain a dog in the dog park when advised to do so by the Animal Control Officer or the Director of Parks and Recreation or his or her designee.

(3)

Fail to immediately leave the dog park when ordered to do so by a law enforcement officer, Animal Control Officer or the Director of Parks and Recreation or his or her designee.

(d)

(1)

Owners assume all risks, loss or injury for themselves or their dog(s) associated with or resulting from the use of the park.

(2)

Owners making use of the dog park shall be responsible for injuries caused by their dogs to other persons and dogs. Persons responsible for any injuries or property damage shall hold the City of Wichita harmless for any such damage.

(e)

Enforcement of the above rules and regulations is under the immediate supervision of the Chief of Police or designee and the Director of Parks and Recreation. Violators of dog park rules and regulations may be subject to one or more of the following:

(1)

Removal from the park;

(2)

Suspension of park privileges;

(3)

Issuance of a Uniform Criminal Complaint or Notice to Appear.

(f)

If an owner or individual is found guilty of violating the rules and regulations of a city-owned dog park of any other provisions of this section, such owner or individual shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(g)

The Director of Parks and Recreation and the Chief of Police or designee shall promulgate additional regulations as are necessary to address health and safety concerns related to the operation of such parks. A copy of such regulations shall be available for inspection at the Animal Shelter and the Office of the Director of Parks and Recreation during regular office hours.

(Ord. No. 48-300, § 32, 3-24-09, eff. 7-1-09; Ord. No. 49-010, § 31, 5-24-11; Ord. No. 49-010(Corr. Copy), § 31, 7-11-11)