Open letter to the Granby Parks & Recreation Department
I regularly walk my dog at Salmon Brook Park, and I’ve noticed lately there has been an escalation in the number of dogs in the park running around off-leash. I know the park’s rules are clear in requiring all dogs to be leashed at all times except when they are in the designated dog park. To me, this includes walking dogs to and from cars, when accessing the brook in the woods behind the dog park and on the park’s playing fields.
I am sure many of these dog owners have good control of their pets off-leash—or believe they do. Unfortunately, my dog, a rescue, was attacked and injured by off-leash dogs in her prior history, not in Granby. She gets highly stressed when she sees a loose dog, when one is nearby or a loose dog runs toward her.
There have been several incidents already this year at Salmon Brook Park where I’ve watched dog owners have to use multiple commands to get their off-leashed dogs’ attention and to recall them when they alert and get excited at seeing my dog. This causes me and my dog anxiety as I question if the owner really has full control in these tense situations. Some of these owners have multiple dogs off-leash at the same time, making the situation even more challenging.
I am all for allowing well-behaved dogs to have some freedom and to enjoy the park’s great amenities. But these owners need to be considerate about other dog owners who may have pets with significant challenges. My dog and I have just as much right to enjoy the park— without constantly shifting direction to avoid loose dogs—as anyone else. Perhaps some temporary, strategically placed signage reminders of the park’s leash rules posted near the dog park and around the park’s perimeter walking trail for a few weeks might help?
Thank you for your time and consideration. Salmon Brook Park is truly a beautiful asset for our lovely town.
Sandra Yost, Director of Community Services, has this response to share.
At Granby Recreation, we love dogs! It’s wonderful to see people enjoying our parks with their canine companions. The parks are open for everyone to share and enjoy, so please help us maintain a clean, welcoming, and inviting environment by cleaning up after yourself and your pets.
Trash receptacles and small waste bags are available throughout the parks. No one likes stepping on an unpleasant mess—whether it’s spilled treats or pet waste.
Dogs are welcome in the parks, but they must remain on a leash held by their owner or handler at all times. Even friendly, well-behaved dogs may encounter a dog in training or one that is nervous or reactive. These interactions can have negative consequences and compromise the safety and comfort of other park visitors. Whether friendly or feisty, all people and dogs deserve courtesy and space.
The D.O.G.G.S. Dog Park is the perfect place for off-leash play. It is the only area of the park where dogs may be off leash.
With your cooperation and respect for others, our parks will remain clean, safe, and beautiful places for everyone to enjoy.