Local dog walking company expresses concerns about rules in Westchester Parks
This rule, which went into effect last year, limits dogs to three per person at Westchester County Parks. It also doesn’t allow professional dog walking and training services.
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A dog walking business is expressing concerns about a Westchester County rule about the number of dogs people can walk in a park.
“We’re here a lot," says Jess Vaughn, a dog walker. "We put so much work in to make sure that everyone’s well-behaved."
Jess Vaughn runs a dog-walking business and likes to take multiple dogs on walks and hikes at Westchester County Parks.
This rule, which went into effect last year, limits dogs to three per person at Westchester County Parks. It also doesn’t allow professional dog walking and training services.
Vaughn says although she’s never been fined, she’s been asked to leave multiple parks.
“In the last few months, different local governing bodies, I guess, have really cracked down on this," she says. "It doesn't make sense to us why it's not allowed."
Catherine Cioffi, a spokesperson for Westchester County sent News 12 a statement with more information on the rules:
"We love all dogs. That being said, our parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone--both dogs and humans," the statement said. "Professional dog walking and training services are strictly prohibited in our parks, as they are businesses using public spaces for commercial purposes. Our parks are here for the community to enjoy, not for private enterprises to operate."
The statement also said that dogs must be leashed at all times. Cioffi said there was a proposal to build a dog park at Scout Field, but there was community opposition.
Cioffi also said dogs are not permitted at all at Lasdon Park and Arboretum, Muscoot Farm, Playland Amusement Park, the Sportsman Center and Washington's Headquarters.
Others in the community say they understand this when it comes to safety and didn’t know about the rule.
“I don’t like the idea of dog walkers coming with six or seven dogs. It’s pretty intimidating for my dog," says Elka Klarsfeld, a Hartsdale resident.
"We have a little one and that making sure it’s a safe place, they have to be leashed, I get that but sometimes things happen," says Supattra Samanyaphon, a parent.
