As a dog lover and dog owner, I was completely astonished to hear the latest news story on Honolulu Police Department giving citations to dog owners walking their leashed dogs along Kapiolani Park in Honolulu.
HPD says that there had been recent complaints to them about dogs in Kapiolani Park. As most people know Kapiolani Park is not a pet friendly park, like most City and County parks and beaches on the island it prohibits dogs. What most people don’t know is that there is an area of sidewalk that runs along Kapiolani Park that also included in this no dogs allowed law. The “sidewalk” is actually considered part of the park and also prohibits dogs. Last week Friday, September 25, 2009 HPD ticketed a handful of dog walkers who walked thru this area of sidewalk. This citation that was issued is a criminal offense, considered a petty misdemeanor prohibiting animals in parks. This citation is not simply a fine, but does require a court appearance.
The island of Oahu does have many off the leash dog parks that owners can take their dogs to. The problem with this story is that the parties that were ticketed for the offense did not have their dogs off the leash and running around Kapiolani Park. The parties were simply walking their dogs on the sidewalk. When has it been a crime to walk your leashed dog?
Everyone has enjoyed the island’s public parks and beaches and have taken the time to read the signs prohibiting various items. A few of those items besides no animals include: no alcoholic beverages, no camping, and no fires. I think we would all like to see HPD crack down on these more serious offenses that the general public violates on a regular basis. These violations can lead to drunk driving, the homeless camping in the parks and beaches, and arsonists. HPD could spend their time more wisely monitoring those park and beach violations rather than ticketing responsible pet owners for exercising their dogs thru one stretch of sidewalk.
The local dog community was appalled by this story and have voiced their opinions on pet community websites and some are even starting petitions to over turn this ridiculous situation.
Tags: Dog Walking, Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, HPD, Kapiolani Park, Oahu
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What? You can’t walk your dog on the sidewalk? These are some crazy rules. And to hand out tickets? I agree, there are much better things these cops could be doing with their time.