If Councilman Kraft believes unleashed dogs present a threat to passers by, I would remind him that that is precisely why we have a civil liability system which creates strict liability upon animal owners whose animals injure someone. Speeding is a much higher risk to other drivers than an unleashed dog and fines for speeding are very low. Running red lights in a serious hazard to drivers and pedestrians, yet the citation via red light camera is only $75. I think the Councilman needs to revisit his legislative priorities. Increasing penalties upon dog owners in a city where gangs murder and intimidate citizens unobstructed, is patently ridiculous.

Geof says it perfectly. I second his post.

Yes to what Geof just wrote. A $250 fine is still too much. Once there are enough dog parks in the city, and they're big enough (as in Robert E. Lee), then fine away.

Agree with Geof. I am tired of jumping out of the way of cars running red lights. This is a greater threat to the everyday safety of citizens than dogs running offleash, so I hope city council will take a closer look at increasing red light fines if they want to make some easy cash. Dogs are the least of their problems.

I also agree with Geof's comments.

$500 sounds good to me. If you can't pay the fine, don't do the crime. The city could use the money. This could bring in $10k in one afternoon at patterson park, gaurunteed.

A fine of $250 is not only an insult to dog owners, it's a bald-faced tax grab when you CIty morons run out of ideas on how to squeeze more money out of the public- if you all think voters like me will forget, get over that impression. I'm a loyal Democrat and I'm sick of the freaking taxes and murders and leaking pipes which pumped thousands of gallons of raw sewage into my basement; then you dolts tell me to file an insurance claim for your failing pipes in the street outside my home. I'm not going to visit City parks and will drive to the County which 'I just moved from into this City - a move I'm regretting more and more.

Increase the fine owners face for not picking up after their dogs. Not doing so is disgusting and terrible for the Bay. Increased enforcement is greatly needed. Take a look at any park, like Thames St. Park in Fell's Point.

Living in Fells Pt how many times do I see dog owners with their dogs off the leash on the sidewalk or the newly planted flower beds,and worse yet leaving a steaming deposit behind. It's annoying. How about some of the responsible dog owners (which are the majority) voicing your disdain to those that are irresponsible As far as the complaint about the fine amount how many times have any of us witnessed someone receiving this citation if ever? The complaint about running red lights is a simple tax grab, it's not witnessed by a member of law enforcement. Hayley, watch who you call a moron... you'll still vote Democratic in the next election and wonder why there isn't any change within our city or state when it comes to taxes. Tell me, who is the...

I remember 3-4 years ago, the city cracked down on dogs off leash in Patterson Park by hiring park rangers, backed up with the police. I got a $100 ticket for having my dog Monkey the Whippet off leash then. And let me say, the enforcement of the leash laws by the city worked. Monkey has not been off-leash in Patterson Park since August, 2006.

That's when we moved to Howard County.

Now Monkey runs around our yard all he wants.

I just finished our taxes a couple days ago, and since the paperwork is still sitting right here, let me have a look. Since we moved, our household has paid $32,000 in property and income taxes to Howard County.

Councilman Kraft, you keep up the good work. You'll have that dog problem licked if you just keep at it.

The Park Rangers were started from a grant from the Justice Dept to reduce crime in urban areas (We did a FOAA request). $750,000 for the program. $750,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to agree that a $1000.00 fine is way too much. Yet I can not sympathize with those that let their dogs run loose in public parks. I lived by Riverside park and at times had a hard time walking through it with my son. I never cared for the comment " My dog is friendly he doesn't bite." I always walked my dog on the leash and when ever I wanted him to run loose I did so in my backyard. If you don't have a backyard then that is poor planning for those who buy a pet and expect to be able to let them run free in a non-designated dog park.

I am a constituent of Councilman Kraft and voted for him, but won't be in the future because not one of his initiatives benefit the residents of Canton. I think it is great that he wants to prevent animal abuse and dog fighting, but neither of these are occurring in Patterson Park where the majority of the fines are being distributed. Also, if you want people to pick up the poop...provide trashcans. I encourage all of you to play "Where's Waldo" to find trashcans at Patterson park!

Mr. Kraft- you are so worried about the plastic bag situation, why not recycle them into poop bags. Take $100 of the thousands of tax dollars that Canton residents contribute and go to Ikea and buy bag holders ($1 each) that can be placed on poles throughout the neighborhood. People can recycle their bags by placing them in these holders and then dog owners have poop bags. The only thing missing is trash cans.....sounds like an easy way to help clean up the neighborhood without fining your constituents.

I think some very valid points have been made and plan on emailing the council members, I encourage all to do the same.
Some have said, walk your dog in a "dog park"-please tell me where there is a designated dog park and I would go. If you use google, you will see that the entire Baltimore area has 1. Do you have any clue how many dogs there are in the city? Dogs need to run, play, and socialize with both animals and people in order to be positive members of society. Keeping your dog in solitary confinement in your postage sized backyard is what makes dogs aggressive and destructive. Telling those of us who do not have sufficient yards to not own dogs is ridiculous. Do you know how many dogs are in shelters at this moment that need loving homes? How many dogs are killed every year because there are not enough responsible people out there? For me not to own a dog because I do not have acres of land is ludicrous. I rescued my dog when I lived in Nashville, I loved that city. They provided multiple fenced in parks throughout the city. They were double gated, had fresh clean water for both humans and dogs, and benches for the owners. They also provided plenty of bags and garbage cans to clan up waste. I agree that it is disgusting that people leave waste all over the place; however, when you can not find trashcans anywhere near the park, its not surprising that it is left. I clean up after my pet, not that I enjoy it, but it is my responsibility. I also make sure others around me do the same. I have no problem walking my dog on a leash when I am on the city streets but she needs to run and play and this city does not provide space for this. If the city has issues spending money to provide such facilities then please make a charge to use park (other cities have them) or make these absurd fines earmarked for improving pet friendly facilities.

Kudos, Anonymous! If everyone took the advice of these people and didn't adopt dogs just because they live in the city, BARCS and the MD SPCA would be even more overflowing than they already are. Please, continue to support local shelters and give animals loving homes even if you live in the city.

There are supposed to be 5000 people at the March for the Animals today - see you all there!

Leigh, Hi. I will be there too. Hope to meet some of our "Collared" stars and their owners! Thanks, MC

I stand by the comment that I made earlier. If you do not have the sufficient yard space to let your animals roam free then that is poor planning on your end. I am aware of the plight of animals in shelters. But how could I justify taking an animal in for all the right reasons just to turn around and not do the research to see what areas are available for dogs. I am in agreement that there should be more dog parks in the city. However I do not expect the city to hand out money for them. That will not happen unless residents are willing to work with the city and partially raise the funds needed for the dog parks.