I think there should be more legal places to allow your dog to roam off-leash. My condo overlooks Logan Circle, and I love seeing the dogs there. However, I also chose the "Just fined. Preferably an amount that makes them choose not to break the law again" because they are breaking the law. Whether I agree with the law or not, people shouldn't complain if they are given a citation when they knowingly break the law (Mr. Greenberg, however , has every right to complain about being jailed based on an out-of-date statute).

I think that DC should make more options available to dog owners for "leashless" areas; however, the fact that there are not many of these areas in the city is no excuse for direct defiance of the laws.

Dogs should not be allowed to roam free. Even the kindest dog can lash out and bite an innocent bystander. I like dogs myself, but I know several people that have been attacked and are scared whenever they see someone's dog wandering the streets unleashed. Dog owners tend to have this crazy notion that everyone else loves their dog and aren't bothered by it approaching them.

That being said, I wouldn't go as far as arresting the owner because dogs DO escape sometimes.

If you have a dog you must move to the suburbs? Really? Dog owners could say the same about spurting out numerous kids then choosing to live in the city. But we don't (at least not too often, and usually only in jest).

Really, this comes down to allocation of resources and a realization of how city dwellers live. City dwellers are going to have dogs, no matter what. The city should realize this and try to set aside a reasonable amount of park or city land for enclosed dog runs.

And someone with political pull needs to have the National Park Service appropriations bill amended to say that parks in DC can have enclosed dog run areas, then appropriate funds for them. NPS owns a ton of the parks in DC, and they stupidly don't allow enclosed dog runs, somehow equating our tiny little urban parks with, say, the Grand Canyon.

I agree that dog owners have a responsibility to not allow their dogs to run up and bother other residents. But those same residents have a responsibility to share public space with dogs. Creating enclosed dog runs would seem to be the reasonable solution.

It is ridiculous to say that dog owners should only live in the suburbs. Why don't we force all people with kids to move out to the suburbs? Not all dogs require a great big yard to roam around in. Even if you have a great big yard, dogs (and people) benefit tremendously from socialization opportunities that occur at dog parks and other off-leash areas. Speaking of the 'burbs, though, MD and VA have both become very creative at addressing this issue. In Maryland and Virginia, there are a growing number of designated off-leash areas, some really nice! In addition, the City of Rockville has a canine citizenship test; if a dog passes, he/she can be allowed to walk off leash at all times within city limits. I think this is an excellent idea! I have a dog, but he is not well-behaved enough to walk off leash. However, if a dog demonstrates the ability to do so without incident, they should be allowed! Finally, DC MUST get some dog parks set up. Currently, the city is losing a ton of money in tax dollars to the myriad of people (including myself) who leave the city each weekend in search of off leash areas for our dogs to socialize and exercise. I have no problem driving out to B'more or Annapolis to gain this opportunity. When I do this, I typically eat out and run errands. That's my tax dollars flying right out of this city.

Personal yard availability is not a necessity for children nor for dogs. Dogs left to their own amusement outside usually discover new forms of entertainment, most of which would be considered to be bad habits. Both kids and dogs need adequate exercise and socialization. Both are usually accomplished in places other than the backyard. Besides, having kids and dogs is not mutually exclusive but its up to the parents/owners to keep an eye on their charges. I’d love to see more well-mannered children AND dogs in the city.

#4 and #6 are not the same person, because I wrote #6 and not #4. All I'm saying is, I've seen a lot more dogs popping up in the city lately, and I don't think they're very happy. My first roommate in DC had a dog, and it was the saddest looking creature I've ever seen. She let it run around off the leash too, and one time it ran away and was gone for weeks.

There was a New York Times article not too long ago about how dogs are fashionable now because of the Paris Hilton factor. I don't think it's fair to subject a dog to the city lifestyle just because it's the cool thing to do.

Honestly, guest6/13, you're an idiot. Just because your roommate wasn't a good dog owner and the dog was sad looking must mean that we're all bad dog owners and all city dogs are sad. I use that logic too when I say that all white people love mayo just because my white roommate used to like it.

And the thought that most of us have dogs because Paris Hilton does therefore making it fashionable is laughable as well.

I understand that everyone is not a dog person so I don't let my dog off-leash and I don't let him go up to anyone who doesn't ask. But I still wish there were dog parks so that he could run free in a dog-friendly area where I know schmucks like you won't be.

The breeze in my Adam's Morgan neighborhood (conveniently located a few blocks away from the de facto "Dog Park" on the Rock Creek Park side) carries a subtle hint of dog poop in this warm weather. I want to be reasonable, though I'm not a dog person myself, but local dog owners have not impressed me with their responsible behavior. Not to tar everyone with the same brush, of course, but we have a phenomenal amount of unscooped poop (and flies!)on the sidewalk and I frequently have to pry my frightened daughter off of me when we pass dogs (leashed and unleashed) who get too close on the street. All this, even though there already IS a place nearby where it is commonly acknowledged that dogs can be exercised. We stay out of there now because I got tired of cleaning fresh poop off my child's shoes, but the dog park doesn't make at least a substantial number of dog owners better neighbors to deal with on the surrounding streets where they really shouldn't let their pets annoy others.

Logan is National (NPS) property. Whats-his-face is lucky that a Federal (Park Police) officer didn't arrest him.

Anyway, Effing obey the law, already. And, if you don't, at least have the good grace to realize you are in the wrong. Try to change it if you want (hell, I'd even try to help!), but don't bitch about it after you flout it and get busted.

I'm almost willing to settle for simply not having to confront or clean their biological byproducts personally.

-SYB, aka guest 12 and guest 17, who has grown lazy because registering as a guest is the path of least resistance.

Downtown Rez:

A lot of people don't know the leash laws, as it's really hard to get a concise answer in DC, since each tiny little park can be owned by NPS, DC, or a variety of other groups.

And a good people here have been transferred to DC from somewhere else and they already have their dog. So occasionally breaking the law is the price they pay to keep their pet.

I'd be more than happy to agree that if there were adequate dog runs then everyone should abide by the leash laws. But there is NO alternative provided, so allowing your pet to have any sort of exercise often requires removing the leash illegally.

If one lives in the city, why not have a city appropriate pet? I live in an apartment and have a cat. Nobody has to deal with her or her poop other than me, and she seems perfectly satisfied to stay indoors. And she doesn't bark and keep my neighbors up.

A well-trained dog doesn't need a leash, and a poorly trained dog on a leash is still somewhat of a hazzard. Maybe rather than requiring leashes, we should require an inspection of good training.

As far as animals in the city goes, keep in mind the layout and founding of the city was based around horses, and other hauling animals. DC residents have ALWAYS had dogs, and historically even chickens and other pets.

Just because you decided to buy a car and speed it down the road, doesn't mean now everyone has to sell their dog, or stop having kids for that matter. However, owners and parents do have a responsiblility to instruct and train those that they are responsible for.

The comparison of dogs and children is amusing. Nearly all dogs can be trained so that they are obedient and non-threatening around other dogs and people. Children, on the other hand, should be banned from all parks operated by the NPS. Except in the suburbs.

Yes, there absolutely should be dog parks. I say this NOT because I think the city should foot the bill for people's irresponsible decision to have dogs in a city without dog runs, but rather because it is not the dog's fault that their dumb-ass owner can't figure out that dogs need more space than an all-leash-all-the-time policy can accommodate.

Even seemingly obedient dogs are still just animals and can show behavior that is out of their trained lexicon. If people can do this, then dogs can too. So I really don't agree with even well-trained dogs allowed off leash.

Even on a leash, the owner needs TO BE IN CONTROL of their dog. Owners who are so enamored with the "kids" (gag, gag) that they let them lunge at you without reeling in the damn leash ("Oh, they want to say hello!" retch gag) can go to their delusional hell.

Do not let your dog near me. If it touches me in any way, I will 1.) nudge it away with my foot, and then, if that doesn't work and if you own the dog that lunges at me while you chat on your cell and don't pull your dog back, I'll 2.)kick the damn thing until it backs the hell up. (Disagree? Bring it on. I am not going to get bit again...the last time was a relatively small dog - a terrier - that clamped down and wouldn't let go even as the owner finally clued in to what was going on after letting the leash spool all the way out while she flirted.) No kidding, dog owners, I'll boot your little nipping bath mat across the sidewalk if that keeps its drool - and teeth - off my legs.

Guest 29, young human children are *never* threatening, except, perhaps, to your extended adolescence. Nor do their actual, same species parents allow them to befoul public spaces.

I'll support sensitively placed dog parks in theory, but I'll want to know that owners can and will be busted for removing leashes outside of enclosures, that some one can be depended upon to remove the crap frequently (Rex and Fluffy's human "Mommie" and "Daddie" don't have a great track record)and that the fences will be adequate to keep Rex and Fluffy off my actual, human child, person, and property. Let's also make sure that fences aren't uuugly chain link and that the people responsible for maintenance replant yellowed grass regularly.

Granted, there are probably more likely threats to public health and safety, but the abundance of "quality of life" crimes tolerated in DC contributes to our third-rate status.

Guest 31: What a dumbass comment. Yes, shame on people for wanting to OWN A PET. SHAME, SHAME! SHame on people for having kids in this crime ridden cesspool. Shame on people for having bikes and cars which will inevitably be stolen. Shame on people for ever trying to make a place better and more normal. SHame on people for parking their cars anywhere near a church, since we all know that the city won't tow cars that double park and block you in...You're right, we should all just give up and live with the dumbass laws in DC. People with kids and pets should all move to the suburbs, and your awesome vision will finally bear fruit. DUMBASS.

Downtown Rez:

There is no concise answer.

On NPS property, dogs must be on leashes.

Since ALL the green space in my hood is NPS, that's the only law I'm totally familiar with.

But some green spaces are private, like Congressional Cemetery. "Laws" in use there vary.

As for your kid paying my social security...... I guarantee you that in 40 years of paying DC taxes I'll pay a lot more for the upkeep of kids (schools, playgrounds, etc.) than your kid will ever pay for my social security.

And aren't social security benefits federal, not local?

In reality today's immigrants will be paying our social security benefits (assuming we actually get any).

Large dogs in the city...... don't assume that large dogs need some massive rural spread to roam on to be happy.

I've had several large breed dogs in the past.

In fact, I actually bought a house with a massive yard for my two large breed dogs. Turns out I couldn't get them to leave the back porch.

Aren't I legally liable for the potentially litigious parents suing me for what happens to their kids on MY property? And aren't those same parents going to NOT pay for any damage that their kids cause to MY property?

I'm not saying that all parents will sue if little Jimmy trips on my rake left in the grass or skins his knee on my stone walk, nor am I say all parents will resist paying for the damage their kids cause. I'm just wondering if those "concerned residents" might not have a cultural justification for their point.

(My uncle's neighbor backed into their garage door in the alley and then refused to repair it because it was a solid wood door: the neighbor would only pay for a fake wood replacement. It got contentious. My uncle won in court, with the judge awarding punitive as well, but it wasn't a pleasant 14 months for a 70 year old man. Who wants to volunteer for that?)

Well, yeah, Hillman. Of course private property is different. I thought we were discussing public property. On public property within DC, regardless of fed or DC jurisdiction, regardless of which agency manages the space, the current laws are that dogs on public property must be leashed. From a legal standpoint, it really is that concise. The real source of confusion isn't over what's legal, but what's enforced. No big surprise it's that way in DC.

Guest 44: love you, too. LOVE.

"Dogs need to be on leashes and if someone else's dog did this to me, I would stomp their dog to death--no questions. "

Yup. And rightly so, too.

We need a leash law for children.

Dog owners are citizens too, pay taxes, etc. There should be more off-leash areas available. What's more, a well-trained, under control dog should be allowed off-leash anywhere. This does NOT mean running at large, or being allowed to run up to people, kids, or other dogs. Nor does it mean letting them pee and poop wherever they want and not picking up after them. If well-behaved dogs were given more privileges, there would be more of an incentive for people to train their dogs.

There should be a way to certify level of training and a pledge of responsibility that would grant additional privileges to a dog/owner team. Misbehavior by either member of the team (running up to people uninvited, not picking up poop, etc) would cause the privileges to be revoked.

Guest54 - what you failed to notice is that I proposed greater privileges be earned by demonstrating appropriate control and responsibility. I'm suggesting greater accountability, not less.

You say in your neighborhood dog owners treat the whole area like a dog park. You don't specify what that means. If they are walking their dogs off leash but picking up after them and not allowing them to run up to people and other dogs uninvited, I would say what is the problem.

If they are letting their dogs poop anywhere and not picking up (which they shouldn't do in the dog park either) or they let their dogs run up to kids and other dogs (the irresponsible 'oh, he's friendly' excuse) then they should not get any privileges and they should be fined for breaking the law. An incentive is only an incentive if you have to do something to earn it.

I work hard to be a responsible dog owner. I don't want my dog to negatively impact the lives of my neighbors. I don't like to step in poop, be accosted by free-roaming dogs, or awakened by barking in the middle of the night any more than any other person. It probably bothers me more than most, because a few irresponsible owners can ruin things for those of us who try to be good dog-owning citizens.

I feel bad for anyone prevented from having a dog in the city. Have you noticed that we are in the middle of a crime wave?

Dogs are the best deterrent to crime. How many people walking dogs get mugged? How many homes with barking dogs get broken into? The anti-dog comments about not having dogs in the city are flat wrong.

And while we're at it, why are cops wasting countless man-hours making and processing leash law tickets? Even if the cops can figure out that newer civil law is the real one and not the old, replaced criminal law, they should still be looking for burglars and muggers and gun violators.

We can't get the cops to show up for a half hour after reporting trespassers in the neighbors yard. How is it they have time for leash tickets?

On the odd chance that the leash-free dog owner who was letting theirs run free in Dyke Marsh Park this afternoon is reading this: a friendly reminder. Some of us have concealed carry permits. In the interest of your dog's safety, I highly recommend reading the rules at the entrance to the park. Don't like it? Change the law. Otherwise, STFU. Thank you for your time and attention.

Also, you are a useless piece of self-centered human sewage. The world does not revolve around your sorry ass. Get a leash and a bag to carry your dog's waste.

While you're at it, wipe your butt. I can smell it from here.

I'm not sure where you're going with the Barbary Ape comment. In the '80s, I briefly worked in a primate tox lab. Ever see the movie "outbreak"? Been there. It sucked. One of several jobs my younger self walked away from.

Anyway, a 40 pound cynamologous with 2.5 inch canines is more than anyone should ever have to handle. I wore shoulder-length steel mesh gloves....

Thanks for the link. "...their favored method of attack is to hurl themselves at people’s heads..."

Include a mention of the possibility of contracting any number of rare and poorly understood tropical diseases from bites, and that's pretty much how I remember it.

Um. That's one image.

I see barbary apes, riding rots and pits, swarming accross Rock Creek on their way to Dumbarton Oaks, kinda like goblins on wargs.