Portland parks to enforce stricter policy, fees for dog owners with off-leash pets

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Portland has implemented stricter regulations and new fees for residents with off-leash dogs.

Portland Parks & Recreation has announced that a new policy allows officials to immediately hit dog owners with a fine if they fail to put a leash on their pet in areas where leashes are required. The previous policy, established in 2013, directed park rangers to first issue citations for this offense — but officials said the initial warning has made the regulations “difficult to enforce.”

“Dog off-leash issues are a top concern for many community members all across the city,” PP&R said. “These policy changes will help keep our parks safe and clean for all park visitors, and make sure they are welcoming for everyone.”

Leashed dogs are permitted in most of Portland’s public spaces, with the exception of sites including Tanner Springs Park, Mt. Tabor Park amphitheater and sports facilities with artificial and manicured turfs.

Officials are more focused on cracking down on dog owners who allow pets to wander freely without a leash in undesignated areas, when there are more than 30 designated off-leash areas throughout the city. This includes portions of Irving Park, Alberta Park and Cathedral Park.

But park rangers won’t fine offenders straight away.

Staff is now “piloting the new policy at parks with significant dog off-leash issues,” by informing residents of the changes before penalizing them, PP&R said. The bureau added that rangers could still choose to issue a citation as a first-time warning. Workers can also provide free leashes or poop bag holders to help with the new policy.

The potential fine for off-leash dogs and failing to pick up poop ranges from $50 to $150, according to city code. Officials additionally ask pet owners not to bring their dogs to parks if they are “in heat” or not fully vaccinated.