St. Patty's Day "Bark or Parks" Rally

 

Monday, March 16th

5-6:30pm

Washington Park,
350 W. 6th St., Dubuque

 

Since the latest efforts to allow dogs in parks failed on February 2nd, we invite you and your dogs to rally with us before the next city council meeting on March 16th.

Not only are we sick of being excluded from enjoying the city's 50 parks with our pets, but we're also sick of being ignored by our city leaders who are supposed to represent the majority!

 

From 5:00-6:30pm, simply come walk your dog(s) around Washington Park while the city council members arrive for their meeting across the street at the Federal Building.

 

Bring your dog(s) and dress up in St. Patrick's Day garb if you like. The first 30 people there will receive a free "I <3 Dogs and I vote!" bumper sticker, and a dog waste bag dispenser or refill. Feel free to bring signs as well. A few will be available. And don't worry about being late.  Just come as soon as you can!

The city council voted no, even after they were presented with tons of data suggesting the public wanted the ban on pets in parks lifted. Results from 5 online polls, 3 public input sessions, 2 petitions, and over 300 comments from the public all showed the majority support change.

 

They also had blessings from the city’s health, legal and police departments, not to mention the SECOND recommendation from their own Parks & Recreation Commission to repeal the ban.

 

After cutting $100,000 for a badly needed dog park from the budget, and suggesting dog owners fend for themselves, their vote to keep dog walking illegal is truly a slap in the face to pet owners and visitors. 

Please join us with your dogs to show them who they really hurt by voting "NO" February 2nd, and that dog owners aren't going anywhere!

RSVP and share the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/793734474051674/

 

You can also join FIDO of Dubuque or making a monetary donation. This helps us continue programs that promote responsible dog ownership, advocate for more dog friendly amenities, and possibly raise funds for a new dog park in the future. 

What's next for dogs in parks?
 

It looks like the makeup of the city council would have to change in order for Dubuque to truly become a dog-friendly town.

Luckily, 2 or the 5 members who voted NO are up for re-election this November, so remember to vote!

They are:

David Resnick, At Large, voted no to dogs in parks.
Lynn Sutton, 4th Ward, also voted no to dogs in parks.

Karla Braig, 2nd Ward, is also up for re-election, but has always supported dogs in parks. However, if she decides not to run again, a quality candidate will need to run in her place. Same goes for the other two candidates. (Hint Hint, Nudge Nudge)

As always, thank you for your support and for being a responsible dog owner!

See you and your dog Monday at Washington Park!!