SF Supervisor Suggests Requiring Permits For Dog Walkers
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN/AP) - A San Francisco supervisor is considering introducing legislation that would require professional dog walkers to obtain a permit to take dogs to city parks.
The plan suggested by Supervisor Scott Wiener on Tuesday comes as federal officials have proposed tightening leash rules on federal parkland in and around San Francisco.
Wiener, who represents San Francisco's District 8, said he was concerned that the drastic reduction in off-leash space in the national parks would lead to "a corresponding increase in use at neighborhood parks" around the city.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
Some dog advocates say regulating professional dog walkers would help ensure they keep their dogs under control and pick up after them.
The park service's proposal is in the middle of a 90-day public
comment period that ends April 14, and Wiener said his hearing would likely be held in the next month or two while the proposal is still receiving public comment.
The park service is holding three hearings of its own on the issue in March. The first hearing is scheduled for March 2 at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, followed by ones on March 5 at San Francisco State University's Seven Hills Center and March 7 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.
More information on the National Park Service's proposal is available at http://www.nps.gov/goga/parkmgmt/dog-management.htm.
