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You’ve made the mistake of saying that four-letter word in front of your furry friend: “Walk.”
As you head to your favorite trail, there is one thing left to decide — to leash or not to leash.
It’s a common question for dog owners that has sparked some disagreement online among Bellingham citizens.
Bellingham has a citywide leash law, according to the city of Bellingham’s website . All dogs must be on a leash, per code 7.08.110 . However, dogs can be let off-leash at designated parks if they are under control .
“We don’t designate the length of the leash. It just has to be under physical control of a leash unless you’re in a park that’s designated off-leash,” said Steven Janiszewski, Bellingham’s parks operations manager.
Not following this rule is considered an infraction and can lead to a fine not exceeding $250. While police or animal control can be called, Janiszewski said he would rather enforce dog leash rules through education.
“I gotta say, the dog[s] off leash is getting to be pretty much an ongoing issue for all of our parks,” Janiszewski said.
The city employs park ambassadors who patrol, do maintenance and engage with people in a friendly manner to enforce rules. They hand out informational flyers, free leashes or dog waste bags, Janiszewski said.
Taylor Carnell is a park ambassador, often patrolling Bloedel Donovan and Whatcom Falls Park. As such, he often confronts people who aren’t in compliance with the law.
“I will just approach them, say hello, ask if they’ve got a leash on them. Maybe I’ll ask them about their dog and just build up some rapport,” Carnell said. “Usually, people are super friendly about it.”
The city of Bellingham has listed nine parks , in addition to dog parks, that allow your dogs to go off-leash. These areas are designated by signs.
“We want the public to have the public awareness to go and check online,” Janiszewski said.
All trails are off-leash friendly at Arroyo Park , except during salmon spawning season. Other places where all trails are designated off-leash include Sunset Pond and Little Squalicum Park . Off-leash dogs also are allowed at Maritime Heritage Park from 6 to 10 a.m.
Parks with designated trails or areas for off-leash dogs include Lake Padden Park , the secondary trails of Sehome Hill Arboretum , the Waterline Trail at Whatcom Falls Park and Squalicum Creek Park . Bloedel Donovan Park is an off-leash area from 6 to 10 a.m.
“Even if they’re in a dog park or an off-leash area, we want a dog to be under voice control, which is recall-ready,” Janiszewski said. “We know that not all dog owners have that ability for voice control, but it is important.”
Keeping dogs on leash creates a safer environment for the dogs and park visitors, Janiszewski said.
“There’s a certain amount of ethics and etiquette to be a dog owner, and if you have that etiquette, it just makes things so much better,” Janiszewski said. “It’s really respecting others, what it comes down to, and protecting your dog.”
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