For the first time in 35 years, Santa Cruz residents were able to stroll down Pacific Avenue with their dogs. It marked the trial lifting of a downtown ban on dogs, in force in Santa Cruz since 1976. The new ordinance is only in effect from sunrise to sunset—every dog has its day, but nights are reserved for cats—and all dogs must be on a leash and within 3 feet of their owners. The animals must also have collars and vaccination certification. And of course, owners must clean up after their dogs in the event of any unfortunate accidents.
For the first time in 35 years, Santa Cruz residents were able to stroll down Pacific Avenue with their dogs. It marked the trial lifting of a downtown ban on dogs, in force in Santa Cruz since 1976. The new ordinance is only in effect from sunrise to sunset—every dog has its day, but nights are reserved for cats—and all dogs must be on a leash and within 3 feet of their owners. The animals must also have collars and vaccination certification. And of course, owners must clean up after their dogs in the event of any unfortunate accidents.
Police say that the transition went smoothly, with dog supporters handing out bags to pet-owners and merchants alike for cleanup purposes. No one questioned whether these bags will continue to be available if an anti-plastic bag law goes into effect in the city.
Two problems that continued to dog police were people who panhandled with dogs, and people who tied their pets to posts outside while they stepped into stores to shop. Both of these are in violation of the new ordinance, but since it was the first day, police officers did not issue any citations. Read more at Santa Cruz Sentinel.
