Create a secure off lead play area for dogs in Woodvale Park Belfast
The Issue
Woodvale park is a regular location used by dog walkers, however there are an increasing amount of signs around the park to keep dogs off pitches. There is also a "no off lead" policy meaning dogs should be kept on leads at all times. There are no secure areas in the park where dogs can be allowed to play off lead, and this type of exercise is extremely important to the dogs well being and socialisation. The park is also often littered with broken glass, which is extremely dangerous for dogs.
There is a small unused bowling green opposite the car park inside Woodvale park which would be perfect to use as a play area for dogs. All it would need is a new gate with a lock and a small shed to store equipment such as a dog agility course. I would be more than happy to organise a fundraiser to pay for a shed and an agility course. Anyone who wants to use the play area could pay £10 per year for a key to cover upkeep costs, and should make sure their dog is licensed and insured.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to give my dog a stress free enjoyable walk. If I let her off the lead on a pitch or in the basketball court, someone usually comes over to complain and argue. It can be intimidating as it is always men who start shouting at me for having my dog in the basketball court, but there is nowhere else in the park I can let her run in a secure area. The park keepers can only do so much, as dogs are not allowed in these areas. There are also a lot of dogs in the park off the lead anyway, this is mostly friendly well behaved dogs which is fine, but on more than one occasion I have had an unfriendly dog run up to my dog barking (she is on her lead) and this makes her very stressed and anxious. There have also been dog fights break out in the park which is dangerous for dogs and children.
I do not currently drive so this park is the main place in which my dog can exercise and socialize, and this is a the same for many other regular dog walkers. There are loads of areas in this park for children: two playgrounds, a football pitch, basketball court and an allotment for adults. There is nothing for dogs.
Please sign this petition to help make Woodvale park a safer and more enjoyable place for dogs.
The Issue
Woodvale park is a regular location used by dog walkers, however there are an increasing amount of signs around the park to keep dogs off pitches. There is also a "no off lead" policy meaning dogs should be kept on leads at all times. There are no secure areas in the park where dogs can be allowed to play off lead, and this type of exercise is extremely important to the dogs well being and socialisation. The park is also often littered with broken glass, which is extremely dangerous for dogs.
There is a small unused bowling green opposite the car park inside Woodvale park which would be perfect to use as a play area for dogs. All it would need is a new gate with a lock and a small shed to store equipment such as a dog agility course. I would be more than happy to organise a fundraiser to pay for a shed and an agility course. Anyone who wants to use the play area could pay £10 per year for a key to cover upkeep costs, and should make sure their dog is licensed and insured.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to give my dog a stress free enjoyable walk. If I let her off the lead on a pitch or in the basketball court, someone usually comes over to complain and argue. It can be intimidating as it is always men who start shouting at me for having my dog in the basketball court, but there is nowhere else in the park I can let her run in a secure area. The park keepers can only do so much, as dogs are not allowed in these areas. There are also a lot of dogs in the park off the lead anyway, this is mostly friendly well behaved dogs which is fine, but on more than one occasion I have had an unfriendly dog run up to my dog barking (she is on her lead) and this makes her very stressed and anxious. There have also been dog fights break out in the park which is dangerous for dogs and children.
I do not currently drive so this park is the main place in which my dog can exercise and socialize, and this is a the same for many other regular dog walkers. There are loads of areas in this park for children: two playgrounds, a football pitch, basketball court and an allotment for adults. There is nothing for dogs.
Please sign this petition to help make Woodvale park a safer and more enjoyable place for dogs.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 21 February 2019