Poll: Should Cleveland Heights Allow Dogs in Parks?

Some residents have a bone to pick with the City of Cleveland Heights — they want the dog ban lifted from city parks.

Cleveland Heights resident Fran Mentch to attend the to support the idea of allowing leashed, furry friends in parks.

And resident Kerri Whitehouse had a suggestion — remove the ban for six months to a year in as a trial period, with the ultimate goal of allowing dogs in all Cleveland Heights parks.

Whitehouse, who is a member of the Cain Park Neighborhood Association and chair of the Dog Project Committee, said permitting dogs would promote safety in parks and reduce crime, two of the primary goals of the Cain Park group.

And she mentioned other benefits. Dogs would encourage foot traffic and park use.

"Pets are I think really a cherished family member, and I think going dog-friendly would not only encourage bonding time for the whole family, but it would also help attract people who are considering moving to Cleveland Heights as well," Whitehouse said.

She said the 10-person Dog Project Committee would, as part of the initiative, come up with ideas to encourage responsible dog owners who pick up their animals' waste and control their behavoir.

She noted that not everyone in the Cain Park Neighborhood Association agreed with the idea, and the dog committee is a specific group in the association.

Do you think Cleveland Heights should allow dogs in parks? Tell us in the comments and take our poll.