Why the off-leash hours are what they are?

In May 2006, a small Queens civic association filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court seeking to end a successful 20-year policy of allowing dogs off-leash. FIDO was an advocate for maintaining off-leash hours and working with other NYC dog associations to prevent eliminating off-leash. The court ruled in our favor, giving the administration of off-leash rules and hours to the Parks Commissioner and the New York City Department of Health.

For more information (and cool history) see nycoffleash.com.

Why are there no enclosed dog runs in Prospect Park?

There are no enclosed dog runs in Prospect Park because the Park is a historical landmark.

Dog on Dog Attacks

As a dog owner you have the responsibility to remain on the scene even if your dog is perceived to be the instigator and everyone is angry at you. Give someone your contact information should the other dog require medical attention. Even though it may have been a play accident, in all likelihood, this will be a dark moment in your life for quite a while. Once people realize that you and your dog are not predators and have a history with off-leash, things will go back to normal. But study your dog; if rough play is becoming a habit, then seek out a trainer as well.

When your dog has endured severe injury as a result of a dog attack, you should contact the ASPCA and Humane Society in your area, Google "Veterinary public health" and "Animal Law Enforcement" and "Animal Nuisance Complaint" for New York City specifically and New York in general. You could also contact the State Bar Association and see if they can refer you to someone who specializes in animal law.

Legally, no matter who is at fault, the dog owner whose dog has caused the documented injuries is liable for the expenses. If you pursue a legal claim, you must follow prescribed steps in order to satisfy a small claims court. Know that anything other than direct evidence, such as creating an online buzz about the dog owner or demanding pain and suffering may work against you.

A Volunteer Manager of the Tompkins Square Dog Run created a pdf about how to handle dog fights that result in vet bills, and how to get the attacking dog's owner to pay if they don't do so voluntarily. See this Small Claims Court Guide.

Another resource that may be helpful is to read through the Melanie Petrone v. Bernard Fernandez ruling.