Dogpark education needed.

My partner went for a routine jog yesterday, and was attacked by a dog off-leash. The owner, a woman, could not control her dog. My partner is luckily fine and fortunately did not need emergency care. She was badly bruised, had minor bite marks, was extremely shaken up and came home in tears with fury and frustration. Nobody should be viciously attacked by a dog off-leash, especially when the owner lacks control. We will be filing a formal complaint with the local SFPD because these sorts of statistics are essential.

I am a park and recreation professional and used to work for the National Park Service; I know how challenging it is to enforce the leash law. Visiting parks is a fundamental right of everyone--dogs off-leash is a constraint for many, many people making park access more of a perceived exclusive right to dog owners. Fear of dogs is factual and park visitation feels off limits when people know dogs roam off leash--that is a sad reality.

We love dogs, yes, and some day we hope to get a dog of our own; we'll be sure to comply with park rules. And, we will also support efforts to enforce the leash laws of parks around the city.

Nina Roberts

San Francisco, Calif.