Dogs have become a problem in Logan. There are only three park locations in the valley that allow dogs. Pet owners have complained to city officials about irresponsible pet owners allowing their dogs to roam without consequences. Some citizens have complained of dogs off their leashes around their property while the owner walks by completely oblivious, according to Russ Akina, Logan city parks and recreation director.
“We’ve heard the complaints from citizens and are doing what we can do fix the problem,” Akina said.
Some pet owners have blamed the dog parks for the problems.
“Have you ever seen the dog park by Willow Park Zoo? It’s on a hill,” said Jenny Wilkens, a visitor to the dog park.
Others admit that the dog parks are not well established but do not blame the parks for the problems.
“There isn't a lot of shade, it sits on a slope and the bottom of the slope has a tendency to get boggy but the park is not the problem, the people are,” said Amanda Warren, a frequent visitor to the parks in Logan. “The people at these parks are too busy chit chatting with their doggy clique to pay attention to what their dogs are doing.”
Akina says the city may place greater enforcement and potentially more restrictions to dog owners if they can not follow the rules at the park. “If compliance is not achieved, park sites that currently permit access would be prohibited,” he said.
Pet owners in Cache Valley as well as visitors believe that Logan is not suitable for people with pets, mainly dogs.
“Logan is the most pet unfriendly town I've ever lived in,” said Jennifer Sandstrom, a dog owner in Logan. “I've never heard of a town where dogs aren't allowed in any of the parks, ball fields or any public areas.”
According to Logan City Animal Ordinances chapter 16 section 209, an owner or person with an animal that causes a nuisance will be subject to penalties. Some of the nuisance behaviors are defecating on property other than the owners without proper removal by owner or excessive barking or noise.
“I’ve given up on the parks,” said Sandstrom. “I’ve started inviting my friends with dogs to our house so our pets can socialize without problems. It’s made things so much easier for me and my dog.”
