Doggit - Bend, OR

THANK YOU Bend Park & Recreation District! Hopefully this will be an ongoing thing, because the problem has gotten so out of hand across the city, in every park & neighborhood, that it needs serious enforcement!

The BPRD Park Stewards love seeing your dogs on leash, especially when it's one they know! This week, keep an eye out for the stewards in parks near you as they conduct enhanced patrols for off-leash dogs.

If you love your dog, leash your dog. Here’s why:
-- It’s the law with a $275+ fine for breaking it - a Class B civil infraction. Park stewards may issue a 30-day exclusion from parks and trails. Repeat offenders can be excluded even longer.
-- Respect for others. Some people and dogs fear loose dogs and are scared to be approached or jumped on by a dog. Also, off-leash dogs’ poo is often missed and not picked up.
-- The liability is on you. It’s your dog and you’re liable for your dog’s behavior. If any issues, you could be held responsible for criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
-- BPRD has nine off-leash dog parks for you and your dog where it's okay to run loose.
So, for your next park outing with your pup, leash up. Learn more about enjoying Bend's parks and trails with your dog at: https://www.bendparksandrec.org/parks-trails/dogs-in-parks/
Thank you for your cooperation!

More responses from our survey...

Who can relate? How many of you all have had this same experience with “friendly” dogs here in Bend?

Newsflash to the off-leashers: Your dog rushing up to a leashed dog is not “friendly”. It’s rude, and potentially dangerous.

Attn: City of Bend Police Department

Hello Bend Doggit Friends! We realize it's been a minute, but we are excited to finally share the results of our Off-Leash Dog Survey! We had great feedback from all of you and it is clear that the overwhelming majority of respondents feel that off-leash dogs are a big issue in our Bend community. Sadly, far too many respondents shared that they no longer walk their own dogs in certain areas, or are afraid to run or jog as a result of prior encounters with loose dogs. So the rule breakers are infringing upon the rule followers, law-abiding tax payers can't enjoy their own city parks because of those who feel the leash law doesn't apply to them. The following photos are some of the overall survey results, and over the next few days we will be sharing some of the many additional comments, experiences and highlights that participants shared.

We had big ideas about this endeavor when we first launched Doggit, but due to unexpected life circumstances we unfortunately do not have the time or money needed to pursue it right now. However, we are hopeful that in sharing the survey results, which we believe illustrate what a glaring problem off-leash dogs are within our community, that perhaps the appropriate agencies will step up and enforce the laws, so that we may all enjoy and feel safe within our public spaces: Bend Park & Recreation District City of Bend Police Department City of Bend, Oregon Government
And to any of these agencies who would like the full results of the survey, we woud be happy to send you the complete files. Please message us here to request them. Bend Park & Recreation District