closed #201752
Parks & Playgrounds
4300 N Stone Mill Rd
- Case Date:
- 3/28/2025
To Whom It May Concern, I’m writing to raise ongoing and serious concerns about safety at Ferguson Dog Park. As a local resident and dog owner, I want to be able to use this public space, but I and many others have avoided it due to recurring problems with aggressive dogs and irresponsible owners. The park has unfortunately gained a reputation for being unsafe, especially in the large dog sections. Despite the park offering one section for small dogs and two for large dogs, the issue lies not in the layout but in the lack of enforcement when it comes to aggressive behavior. On multiple occasions, I’ve encountered people who knowingly bring aggressive, territorial dogs and allow them to instigate fights or intimidate other dogs. One woman even said to me, “Sorry, my dogs are just really aggressive,” without any acknowledgment that such dogs likely should not be in an off-leash public space. While there are signs advising people to report aggressive dogs to Animal Control, this is a reactive measure. It doesn’t prevent the problem, it merely suggests action after something bad happens. That approach is not good enough in a setting where dogs and people are vulnerable to serious injury. I urge the city to consider a more proactive and enforceable approach to managing the park, such as: • Installing surveillance cameras with audio capabilities to capture incidents involving aggressive dogs. This would make it easier to identify repeat offenders and enforce fines, bans, or other penalties. • Requiring owners to register their dogs for park access, with confirmation of vaccinations and agreement to behavioral rules. • Posting clear behavioral guidelines with visible consequences for aggressive or dangerous behavior. • Adding a reporting system with follow-up, so those who witness aggressive behavior can easily report it with time-stamped video or audio reference. • Random patrols or staff check-ins, especially during peak hours. Ferguson Dog Park has the potential to be a tremendous community asset, but right now, many responsible dog owners feel excluded due to fear for their dogs’ safety. I hope the city will take these concerns seriously and implement stronger, preventative measures to ensure a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone. Thank you for your time and attention. I would appreciate a response regarding what actions, if any, are being considered to address these issues. Sincerely, Michael May 8123601499 4260 E Bethel Ln. Bloomington, IN 47408