FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeffrey Zahn, M.D.
Phone: 212-580-6932

NYCDOG, A CITYWIDE COALITION OF DOG OWNER GROUPS, IS FORMED TO ADVANCE SAFE OFF-LEASH RECREATION FOR DOGS

Group Plans to Work with Parks Department Regarding Off-Leash Play in Parks

[New York City, 24 May 1999] In response to the recent citywide crackdown against off-leash recreation for dogs in parks, leaders of dog owner groups in New York City have come together to form NYCDOG, the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups. For the first time, New York City dog owner groups have united under an umbrella organization, created to give strength and a unified voice to local dog owner groups. So far, NYCDOG encompasses 14 quickly-growing neighborhood dog owner associations, representing more than 9,600 dog owners. The Council's immediate goals include helping to establish and maintain adequate off-leash recreational hours and facilities for dogs in the City's parks.

"This is about people, not only about dogs," says Dr. Terry Fonville,

President of Riverside Dog Owners Group and NYCDOG member. "This is about responsible citizens who willingly pay their taxes to support the playgrounds in the park, and it is about citizens who have raised millions of dollars for various charities through dog walks in the parks. All we ask for in return are appropriate park spaces where we can engage in our desired recreational activity."

NYCDOG calls for the establishment of a Special Task Force to include NYCDOG Council members, local community leaders, and the Department of Parks to develop policies on a variety of issues related to the presence of dogs in the City's parks. With the aid of its website, www.nycdog.org, NYCDOG will also provide a forum to support creative ideas aimed at addressing concerns regarding off-leash recreational opportunities and adequate dog run facilities.

By drawing on the support and expertise of its extensive contacts within New York City's hundreds of thousands of dog owners, NYCDOG will help the diverse users of the City's parks find common ground. The Council's considerable outreach abilities will be employed to better educate dog owners regarding responsible use of the parks and to inform the Parks Department, government officials, and the public at large of the considerable benefits of dogs in the community.

"Off-leash exercise and play for dogs is a valid recreational park activity like any other and needs to be recognized as such," said Fonville. "We are a large, legitimate user group, and it's time to address this important issue accordingly."