Dogs and Children - shouldn't mix

[homemadetreats]

I'm lucky enough to live next to a very large off leash dog park. Something of a rarity down here in Australia. The local council decided to do some work on the park and the result a year later is a new childrens playground. Smack next to the large oval that all the dog owners tend to gravitate to.

Down here, dogs are not allowed within 10 meters of childrens playgrounds so we all expected a fence at least but after talking to the designer we were told that it did have a fence, a tiny 10 inch ornamental fence and that the play equipment is 10 meters from the path.

This is an accident waiting to happen! Most days there are 5 - 10 large dogs playing in the oval. It's only a matter of time before a child wanders out of the unfenced play area or a dog wanders in.

To top things off the parents are already campaigning for the park to not be off leash!

 

[smkie]

What in the world are they thinking?

 

[JudithMary]

Interestingly the dog park that is close to me also has a childrens play area right beside it. There is a 4 foot fence around the park so most likely the dogs stay inside but I am sure many dogs could jump it easily. I think that the people who make the parks figure the children will want to look at the dogs or something of that sort.

 

[Criosphynx]

Both parks here are next to childrens playgrounds and schools back up to them.

The kids don't wander in.

There are signs that say "no kids" (under 18). The only kids i see come in with their parents and their dog (which isn't allowed)

The dog owners have no liability if their dog bites a kid in the park. (its happened)

so in short, the only kids in these parks are being brought in by their parents who would bring their kids there whether there is a playground or not.

 

[smkie]

OUr children's park has a huge sign at all entrances no dogs allowed. I am all for that.
I think it is dangerous as all get out to put small children that do nothing but run around and sound like prey next to an off leash dog park. THere is no way i would take my small child there. People need to get a petition together and get an 6-8 foot fence put up around that playground and refuse to use it until that is done. Why wait until the accident does happen?

I have stopped and talked to more parents then you would believe about their child's reaction to a dog and why why why they must teach that child to never ever run and scream when a dog approaches or frighten's them. THis is just such a sad situation that the powers that be do not know what it is they have done. IT is utter stupidity.

 

[Renee750il]

Sounds suspiciously like maybe someone is looking to create a reason to close your dog park.

 

[mrose_s]

I suppose it can't really be expected nowadays but if every parent and every dog owner was being responsible, there probably wouldn't be an issue. What a bad setup though

 

[homemadetreats]

Just got back from a walk and the playground is full of very young children running in and out where the dogs are screaming.

It's totally irresponsible for the park designers to allow this as it's only a matter of time before someone's child gets hurt and someone's dog gets put down