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Smithfield enacts ordinance banning dogs from sports fields, sets escalating fines
Summary
After a public hearing, the Smithfield City Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑07 prohibiting dogs on designated, painted or fenced sports fields, requiring leashes elsewhere in parks, and establishing civil fines of $50 for a first offense and $100 for repeats within one year. Council emphasized public education and signage.
The Smithfield City Council on May 13 adopted Ordinance 2026‑07, a new municipal rule that bans dogs from athletic and sports fields and sets civil fines for violations.
The measure, prompted by recurring reports of dogs defecating on sports turf and animals entering fenced fields, passed unanimously 5‑0 after a public hearing and council amendments. The ordinance defines "sports field" to include designated, painted or fenced areas used for organized athletics and requires all dogs to be on a leash elsewhere in parks unless in a formally designated off‑leash area.
Recreation Center Director Brett Daniels described the problem to the Council, saying, “This issue has been especially difficult this year,” and noted multiple incidents involving dogs on the Blue Sox baseball field. Police Chief Travis Allen told the Council that "every park will need signage indicating that dogs must be on a leash and not allowed on sports fields," and that staff intend to prioritize education before enforcement.
Councilmembers debated how to define restricted areas and how to implement penalties. The Council removed a proposed sentence allowing suspension of "park privileges" for owners or animals, and amended penalties to a $50 civil fine for a first offense and $100 for any additional offense within one year. The ordinance also instructs that the phrase "The City" be clarified to mean "City Staff" when describing which departments oversee designated off‑leash approvals.
During the public hearing, resident Glen Jay Thornley urged stewardship and responsible pet ownership, stating, "I love this community," and calling on residents to help protect parks and historic features. Earlier in the meeting, public commenter Jeff Barnes had urged protections for large, state‑recognized trees in the cemetery area and broader park stewardship.
The ordinance will be enforced by the Smithfield Police Department as a civil matter; each separate incident constitutes a distinct offense. Council members said they expect a public‑education campaign and strategically placed signage to accompany the new rule.
The ordinance was adopted 5‑0 (Engler, Downs, Olsen, Orme, Staker). City staff said they will return with implementation details and signage plans.
