Will May Memorial Dog Park is a dog park in Tuscaloosa, AL. It is a beautiful park that has two areas, one for small and one for large dogs. However, the parks listed rules are not enforced and therefore animals and humans are constantly put in danger at this facility. Big dogs are often in the small dog area, risking the small dogs. There has been history of diseases being passed on in the facility, as there is no cleanup crew that is on the job daily and many people aren’t picking up their dog’s poop. There have been major dog fights, including ones that cause extremely dislocation of a dog’s jaw and more. The rangers that do show up are rarely there and have no experience in dog behavior, so they are kicking out the dogs that aren’t a danger due to lack of knowledge on dog hackles, nonverbal communication , and how dogs become territorial when alone in the huge park. And allowing dogs in that are extremely dangerous due to their behaviors that, again, the rangers aren’t educated in.

this park has caused extreme damage to the dog community in our area and now is frequented by aggressive dogs, irresponsible dog owners, and there is no precautions that enforce these rules at all times. Food is constantly brought in the park (which can cause aggression) and the park is so huge it’s hard to see your dog at one time.

the park needs to be shut down until PARA can train their rangers and come up with a plan to deviate away from the aggression we have seen at the park.  I am writing this petition to demand them to have at least 2 rangers on staff during popular times (or 1 ranger and active cameras), all rangers be trained in dog behavior, rangers should have resources to use to break up fights like horns and whistles, and all rangers must be aware of the rules and follow the rules strictly for EVERYONE; even their friends. They also need a better banning system, as it’s very easy for people to come into Para facilities after they’ve been banned (especially when rangers are never there). 

the community and our dogs deserve a safe space, and not one that is ridden in poop, the blood of harmed dogs, and trash. No more dogs should be hurt at this park if done properly.