NYC Dogs 'Unleashed' On So. Mountain Reservation 'Safety' Concern

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - The roving pack of unleashed dogs imported from New York City to frolick through Essex County's South Mountain Reservation has been hailed as a safety risk by Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.

"Having dogs run free is not allowed in Essex county parks, including South Mountain Reservation, and poses a safety risk for other people enjoying our open spaces as well as the dogs," DiVincenzo said.

A New York Times article featuring My Dog Hikes, a company that takes New York City dogs outside of the city for hikes, details employees letting dogs off leash in the South Mountain Reservation. South Mountain Reservation covers part of Millburn, Maplewood and West Orange in Essex County.

"We are alarmed by a story in the New York Times about dog walking companies letting their dogs roam off leash in South Mountain Reservation," DiVincenzo said.

Essex County officials point out that regulations clearly state that dogs are not permitted on County property, except when held by leash or in a designated off-leash area and under the control of the owner or other person having such dog in charge.

"We understand the importance of allowing dogs to run off leash and have created four dog parks in South Mountain Reservation, Brookdale Park, Hilltop Reservation and Watsessing Park," DiVincenzo said.

DiVincenzo noted that outside of those designated areas, dogs must be kept on-leash. And he said they would be making sure that will be the case going forward.

"We do not condone the activities of this company and will work with our Sheriff's Office to ensure our rules are followed and our parks are safe," DiVincenzo said.

Messages to My Dog Hikes were not returned.

(Photo courtesy of YouTube)

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