Leash laws could be getting tougher

The Colorado Springs Parks Advisory Board is looking to change its policy for off-leash dogs- after a visiting goat herder claims that she was chased from a local park.

It’s legal to have dogs off-leash in some areas of Bear Creek Regional Park. The dog park there is one of the most popular parts of any park in the county.

But only a few hundred yards away is another area that’s causing the board to consider levying fines to dog owners.

In November, a herd of goats was brought to the park to help get rid of weeds and to provide natural fertilizer, continuing a tradition that had been going on for nearly two decades.

But the owner of the goats had to take them out of the park early because she said she was being harassed by off-leash dogs.

Now the Parks Advisory Board wants to increase the penalty from a verbal warning to a $50 fine.

Dog owners who were at the park Wednesday were split about the possible fine.

Many say they worry about enforcement.

Carol Szymanski of Colorado Springs said, “If you have to pay a fine, it gets your attention.”

“It’s unfortunate about imposing fines…maybe one or two warnings (instead),” said Bill Howe.

The Parks Advisory Board unanimously approved the proposal.

Now it goes to the full County Commission for approval.