Parks enforces 0‑tolerance dog policy; manager says refunds won’t be issued for violations

Park staff told the board the department has a 0‑tolerance policy for off‑leash or aggressive dogs and will require campers to leave if their animal is removed for being a nuisance or danger.

The department said the county ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash and that, under state law, animals involved in an attack must be quarantined. Staff said the written park policy now combines prior separate bullet points into a single clear rule: animals that become a nuisance or danger will be removed, and if an animal is removed the owner must also leave the campground.

Staff described recurring dog‑related incidents — “about five instances a year plus” — and said they implemented the 0‑tolerance approach after bites and aggressive encounters increased. In a recent case the department removed a camper because a dog exited a camper and bit another dog on the neck; the owner requested a refund and mentioned an attorney. Staff said refund requests for violations of county ordinance are not granted under current policy and encouraged residents to submit a letter to the board if they want to contest the decision.

Discussion: staff emphasized clarity and enforceability of the policy for frontline staff (Makayla receives most calls). They said the current policy change consolidated language so staff do not need to call for additional guidance during late‑night incidents and that enforcement is consistent with county ordinance and state quarantine requirements. No formal appeal or refund decision was recorded at the meeting; staff said they had not received a follow‑up letter from the party who threatened legal action.

The board did not vote to change the policy at this meeting; staff reiterated that the policy is already adopted and that exceptions or refunds are not provided for county‑ordinance violations as written.