Dogs are the most common pet in people’s homes. For this reason, many cities have created special parks or green spaces for dogs, along with rules and laws to make coexistence easier. The authorities in Unalaska, for example, have implemented measures requiring owners to keep their dogs on leashes in specific areas. While the city is tightening animal control regulations, some locals say the new leashed dog parks look more like people parks than dog parks.
Dogs are prohibited from running loose in certain areas, primarily where homes and towns are located.
The fact is that the Unalaska Department of Public Safety implemented a zone where dogs are required to be leashed, covering most of the residential and commercial areas within city limits. According to the Unalaska Department of Public Safety, dogs are prohibited from running loose in certain areas, primarily where homes and towns are located. After more than a year-long discussion and an organized petition, the City of Unalaska recently updated the local pet control ordinance. And this is something that is generating a lot of controversy among citizens.
The new regulations for dogs in Unalaska include designated dog control zones
The city has already shared a map and designated areas where dogs are allowed. This initiative stems, in part, from Suzi Golodoff, a resident of Unalaska for approximately 50 years, who spearheaded a petition that sparked a citywide conversation in the spring of 2024 about dog leash laws in Unalaska. Consequently, the new regulations for dogs in Unalaska include designated dog control zones; mandatory rabies vaccinations; annual registration with the police; and the requirement for owners to pick up their dogs’ waste unless it is on their property.
“All our efforts have made it worse” – Suzi Golodoff
Following a series of reports of dog attacks, including an attack by a pack of malamutes that fatally injured another pet, Golodoff collected about 50 signatures from community members asking the city council to reevaluate its dog leash laws. “All our efforts have made it worse,” Golodoff said. Since the implementation of the new regulations, the restrictions have been immediately apparent. There are only two exceptions to the rule. First, dogs can be off-leash if they are playing in their owner’s backyard or in another owner’s yard with permission. Second, they can be off-leash in areas outside of the designated dog control zones highlighted in green on the city map.
Important to note that fines for owning an unlicensed dog have increased from $50 to $200
On the other hand, Alaska radio station KUCB reports that most of the green spaces are not accessible by car. According to the new ordinance, approved by council members in September, all dogs must be leashed or confined to the central area of town, where most of the homes and businesses are located. “We just felt that we had grown to the point where, as a community, we should improve the allocation of space a little bit and perhaps be more respectful of the more vulnerable people: people with young children, senior citizens, or people who don’t want dogs near them,” Golodoff said regarding the changes they had anticipated, which have proven perplexing to many.
Councilman Thom Bell stated at a recent council meeting that he supports the ordinance, saying, “It’s not a huge compromise, but it is a good one,” adding, “The idea of including the entire city limits, which covers a large area, seems excessive to me.” Furthermore, it’s important to note that fines for owning an unlicensed dog have increased from $50 to $200. The fine for an aggressive dog has doubled. And failing to vaccinate your dog will now cost $500 instead of $200. Therefore, it’s crucial to comply with the regulations to avoid problems with other residents or unnecessary fines.