When City Council meets on Tuesday, it will decide whether to overturn the infamous dog ban, which prevented owners from bringing their pets to downtown Santa Cruz. The ban, which has been in place for over three decades, would be overturned for a three-month trial period. If the council does not repeal it, it will become permanent on Nov. 1.
There will, of course, be restrictions on dogs even if the ban is lifted. Dogs will only be allowed during daylight hours, and then only if they are leashed and under the direct supervision of an owner. All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. They may not be used in panhandling. Certainly, owners will be expected to clean up after their pets and “scoop the poop.”
City Councilmember Tony Madrigal believes that lifting the ban will help local businesses. He says that today many dog owners refuse to shop downtown because they cannot bring their pets with them, and prefer to go to neighboring “dog-friendly” towns instead. Most business owners agree, hoping that this will drive more customers to their stores.
Areas that will not be affected by the lifting of the dog ban include several beaches and the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. It’s a slow battle, and victories are won one bark at a time. Read more at KION and Omidog.
