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January 10th, 2007, Times Press Recorder
Editorial: Give the 'kids' a safe place to roam
Dogs are pretty much everyone's best friend—except, perhaps, same cats. That may explain why so many Americans love their pooches.
There are approximately 65 million owned dogs in the United States, and 39 percent of U.S. households—or more than 40.6 million—own at least one dog. Twenty-three percent of owners have two dogs, while 12 percent of owners have three or more dogs.
Dog ownership is a big responsibility and, therefore, big business in America. On average, dog owners spent nearly $265 on veterinarian-related expenses each year.
So, the bond between owner and pet is exceedingly strong. Recent studies indicate 74 percent of dog owners consider their pet the same as a child or other family member. Sixty-two percent of dog owners said their pets help them relax and relieve stress. And 59 percent of dog owners believe their pet would help them live a longer life.
All those facts and figures add up to a decent-sized crowd expected tonight at a hearing on a proposal to open an off-leash dog park on 2.5 acres of Arroyo Grande-owned land in Oceano. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers, 214 E. Branch St.
The simple fact is that Five Cities dog owners need a safe place to let Fido or Fidella off the leash for a friendly romp with their furry pals. The closest, legal off-leash parks are in Nipomo and San Luis Obispo. It's time the Five Cities had a park of its own.
The issue may come down to money more than anything else. City officials have expressed conceptual support for such a park, but they also are warning folks the city might be reluctant to commit too much in the way of financial resources because they don't want to put other city services at risk.
There's no need to worry. All the city has to do is work out a deal with the Five Cities Dog Park Association, whose members are very serious about seeing such a plan come to fruition and who have pledged their own time and resources to make sure the park is created and a success.
For example, the park could basically be financed and maintained through association members' donations, business sponsorships, public contributions, private and public grants and fundraising events throughout the year.
Association officials have already informed the city they are willing to finance liability insurance and be responsible for cleanup and trash collection.
That sounds very much like a win/win situation for both the city and dog owners. All the city has to do is provide the space and the regulatory oversight, and it seems dog owners are willing to do most of the rest.
If you are a dog owner, you're already aware of the family relationship most humans have with their waggy-tailed pets. They're just like kids—in which case, it would be great if city officials could see their way clear to give those "kids" a safe and legal place to have some open-air fun.