Leash-free dog area at Live Oak Park not a good idea

More and more, people are starting to take their dogs to the north section of Live Oak Park and setting them loose. Some dogs are let loose in the parking lot, others at baseball fields, some people pick up the loose leash pretending to have the dog in control, or they let their dogs loose by the children’s playground area away from visual contact of rangers.

Last week, I was walking my two dogs leashed, when I saw a German Sheppard walking loose by its owner. I called out and asked that they leash their dog so I could go by. They reached to the ground and picked up the leash only to drop it as I went by. The dog charged. They sauntered over, laughing and pulled their dog away. I complained. The park ranger warned the people that their dog needs to be on a leash. I left. My nerves were frazzled.

In my opinion, when people break the rules at the park, they should be asked to leave. No one got hurt today, thank God. However, there is the possibility of future liability.

How are rules going to be enforced? Rangers are not there all of the time. I should not have been the one to leave the park. Find another area for dogs to roam free, they deserve it but, please, not at Live Oak Park.

Carmen Wesson