Bringing a dog to Johnston Memorial Park recently became an expensive proposition.
Vin Jackvony, a Johnston Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator, addressed the Town Council on Monday regarding Ordinance 2016-12, which would levy fines on those who take canines to the park.
“The town does have an ordinance now with no dogs allowed in the park, but there is no fine associated with it. The new ordinance will allow us to put a fine if someone does come to the park with a dog,” Jackvony said. “We’ve been very fortunate that no one has been bitten at the park. We do have a dedicated park for dogs at Woodlake Park and the walking trail across from [Memorial] park, so the new ordinance hopefully will deter people from coming to the park with their dog if they know there’s a fine associated with it.”
Fines are tiered based on the number of offenses, with $25 for the first, $50 for the second, and $100 for each offense thereafter. The ordinance also states that any person or business is liable to the town for any and all damages that may occur as a direct or indirect result of the violation.
“Inside the park, and on the ballfields, no dogs are allowed at all. So we’re hoping now, if there is a fine, if there’s a police officer around, once somebody gets a ticket, they’re not going to come back into the park,” said Jackvony, who added that licensed service dogs are allowed by law.
No member of the public spoke out approving or opposing the change, and the ordinance was unanimously approved by the council.
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