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Council bans pets inside BMAC ballpark, allows ADA service animals; parks remain dog-friendly outside fenced areas
Summary
Perry adopted a policy prohibiting pets within fenced areas of the BMAC ballpark while continuing to allow leashed pets at city parks outside ballpark fences and accommodating service animals under the ADA.
Perry City Council on June 15 adopted a policy that bars pets inside fenced areas of the BMAC ballpark and related stadium facilities while expressly accommodating service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Staff framed the change as a response to recurring incidents in which patrons brought non-trained animals into game areas and sought to claim emotional-support or service status. The policy gives event and parks staff clear guidance on what to ask patrons and what is permissible: service animals trained to ADA standards are allowed inside; pets must remain outside the fenced ballpark area and on leash when in city parks.
Council members emphasized their higher duty to protect children and event attendees from possible bites or disruptions and instructed staff to post signage and train event personnel to enforce the new rule. The city attorney confirmed the policy’s ADA accommodations and the limited scope of the ban (fenced ballpark and stadium facilities).
Why it matters: The policy clarifies event-perimeter rules at a facility that hosts youth and adult athletic events, tournaments and tournaments-related visitors; it seeks to balance accessibility with safety and event integrity.
Next steps: Parks staff will publish the policy, post signage at the BMAC fence lines and update event guidance documents for tournament organizers and concession operators.
