Capitola City Council to discuss off leash options

CAPITOLA, CALIF. (KION-TV)- Capitola City council meeting on Thursday to decide on dog regulations across the city’s parks and beaches.

Dog laws vary in the city of Capitola, Ozzi Dog Parks is the only Capitola city park that allows dogs off leash.

“You never know what a dog‘s gonna do," Charlotte Wells from Sacramento said. "I’ve been bitten before from a dog off leash."

Capitola beach becomes very popular during the high season of May through October, but as more people head down they may notice a sign indicating that Capitola beach does not allow dogs.

"We usually always have them on leashes and they are able to stay real controlled," Nicholas Brown a dog owner said. "I think that if we have dogs on leashes, we should be able to have dogs on our beaches.” 

During off season according to police they receive weekly complaints about dogs being off leash. One dog owner visiting Capitola voices her concerns.

“Been attacked in my own neighborhood with my dog on leash and dog run loose in public parks," Leslie Lang Sacramento said. "I think if you’re not responsible for your dog, they need to be on a leash.

City council is looking into ways to address whether to maintain current dog regulations or explore new possibilities, and clarifying where leashed or unleashed dogs are permitted.

The city is looking into a proposed pilot program at upper Noble Gulch Park to test an off-leash dog area to provide more options for dog owners.

This item will be presented during the Capitola city hall meeting held on Thursday July 25th.