The Bremer County Conservation Commission is preparing for a new camping season at four county parks.
The season ends on October 31st, and all parks are scheduled to open on May 1st.
During visits to parks, trails, and recreation areas, the Board is reminded to keep pets on a leash at all times, pick them up afterwards, and keep them under control at all times. Signs stating this rule are posted throughout the county, but they are often ignored.
Bremer County Conservation Commission rules state: “No animal owned by me shall be allowed to roam in any area unless authorized by the commission or director. All such animals shall be Unless such animals are carried or kept on a leash, they shall be considered free-ranging.” Keep your dog on a leash or chain not exceeding 15 feet in length, confined in a vehicle, or left attached to a vehicle. However, it is legal to let dogs roam free for the purpose of hunting, training, or exercising the dog in or on a vehicle. All areas designated by the Board or Director as hunting areas or zones within the area where hunting is prohibited. Dogs may not be trained or exercised off-leash from March 15th to July 15th unless permission is obtained. The Board or Director may close any area or portion of an area to all dogs and dog training or exercise for cause. It is illegal to allow pets to excrete feces in public use areas, except areas open to hunting, unless all feces are removed and disposed of in a legal and sanitary manner. ”
Violations under Iowa Statute 461A.45 – Prohibition of Animal Leashes in Parks/Public Lands may result in a fine of $89.50. Bremer County's Animal Control Ordinance 18-08 also states in Section 6 that, “The owner or caretaker shall not permit or allow any domestic animal or domestic animal to roam free or to remain free. shall be in violation of this ordinance.” Violations of regulations under this ordinance will result in fines ranging from $100 to $625.
The Conservation Commission continues to receive complaints about highly negative or threatening dogs encountered in parks and trails. This encounter could have been avoided if the dog had been kept on a leash. Some of these encounters include dogs running up to young children in strollers, off-leash dogs aggressively approaching leashed dogs, and deer and other wildlife on forest trails. Contains dogs that chase and harass you.
There have also been reports of loose dogs entering private property. There are places where you can let your dog run off-leash, such as dog parks, public hunting grounds (except during his March 15th to July 15th nesting period), or private property with permission. Please respect park rules, local wildlife, and the safety of other park users by keeping your pet on a leash.
