Police remind residents of rules governing dogs in Township parks

Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) has made the Ferguson Township Police Department (FTPD) aware that a number of residents have reported unleashed dogs and confrontational encounters with non-compliant dog owners at Tom Tudek Memorial Park. The residents, who expressed concern about unleashed dogs approaching their own dogs, communicated their complaints on the Next Door Park Forest VIllage neighborhood social website 

The FTPD will follow up on CRPR's request to post additional signage reminding park visitors that dogs must be leashed. 

The General Park Rules page on CRPR's website makes it clear that: 

In the Townships of College, Ferguson, Patton, and Harris, pets are permitted only on a leash (maximum 6 foot), and pet owners are required to immediately clean up after their pets. No pets are permitted in the areas of the playground equipment or picnic pavilions in the Township parks or nature center. Pets on a leash are permitted on the grounds and boardwalk at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center.

Except for inside the Tudek Dog Park, at ALL park areas, pets must always be "ON LEASH."

Ferguson Township Police have updated our fact sheet on the Township's pet ordinance, which reads:

RUNNING AT LARGE
Any dog, cat or other pet being upon any public highway, street, park, or any other public land, or upon property of another person other than the owner, and not being accompanied byor under control of the owner or any other person having custody of said animal, is defined as running at large. 

SEIZING OF DOGS AND CATS OR OTHER PETS
In Ferguson Township, it is unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat or other pet to allow or permit the animal to run at large. The first time a dog, cat or other pet is seized, the owner shall pay a fine of $15.00 to the Township, as well as fees for keeping the animal in a kennel. Any person allowing a dog, cat or other pet to run at large a third time could be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $300.00, and/or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days.

The fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about ownership of dogs, cats, and other pets in Ferguson Township.

In addition, the FTPD offers a helpful tips flyer with information about taking care of your pets, including vaccinating against rabies, licensing, leashing, and controlling them in public places. Pet owners are advised never to leave their dogs alone in their dwelling when they're out of town or home on break. You'll also find information about Pennsylvania's animal cruelty laws—updated in 2017 to protect animals from being tethered excessively and exposed to extreme temperatures.