Changes to animal law

Mathieu Gauthier, of Longwood, brought his dog, Misty, to Mead Gardens for the first time on June 15. The pair would like to come back to the garden, but those plans might be foiled if dogs are prohibited from the park entirely.

Parks and Recreation Director John Holland will go before the Winter Park City Commission in July, on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission, to give a presentation explaining its recommended revisions to the existing animal ordinance.

Holland said there are four proposed changes: Prohibit animals in Mead Garden, Kraft Azalea Garden and all areas of Dinky Dock, with the exception of transferring a leashed animal to and from a watercraft. And to prohibit dogs on any streets near the Central Park area that are closed to vehicular traffic during a special event, with the exception of parades.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bonnie Jackson said the purpose of the revisions is to create a user-friendly ordinance that citizens can understand. Animals are already banned from the majority of park areas.

The existing animal ordinance states that in Mead Garden, "Animals are prohibited in picnic areas, restrooms, amphitheater, garden club area, maintenance area, Camellia garden or greenhouse area." In Dinky Dock, the ordinance states, "Animals are prohibited in picnic area, restrooms, beach area, on docks, and in lake."

Jackson said the suggested changes made to Mead Garden are merely blanketing the prohibition instead of allowing animals in certain small areas.

She said the use of Mead Garden is inconsistent with dogs and cats, because the park is primarily a wildlife sanctuary to birds. She said Kraft Azalea Garden is a large nesting ground for birds during migration.

Holland said he believes there is merit for some of the suggested changes, but thinks the city should dedicate more time to make small, test changes before making drastic ones.

"There is some merit for wildlife preservation, but I think we could take a little more thought and time and review and move forward with a higher view on things," Holland said.

But Holland does not agree with the board's interpretation of the animal ordinance where it states animals are prohibited from streets around Central Park that is closed to vehicular traffic during special events.

"That ordinance was originally written to keep animals out of the (Winter Park Sidewalk) Art Festival, and if you read it, yes you could interpret it as any event, but that was certainly never the intent of the ordinance," Holland said.

Mayor Ken Bradley declined to comment specifically on the proposed changes as he hasn't examined them yet. "I think it's safe to say I'm interested in keeping Winter Park a dog-friendly and people-friendly city," he said.

He said he questions what is motivating the board to make these changes, because he hasn't heard of anyone coming forth with issues or concerns about the existing ordinance.

Jackson said she has personally heard citizen complaints about dogs running around off-leash in on-leash areas. Citizens have also cited incidents of dogs running off-leash in gardens and disturbing the natural wildlife.

"Animal ordinances refer to pets, not wildlife," Jackson said.

After Holland gives the presentation before the City Commission, commissioners will decide if further action will be taken. The date for the July presentation has not been scheduled yet.

Gautheir said if the suggested changes go into effect, he will find another park to bring Misty to.

"I think it's a horrible idea (to not allow dogs into Mead Garden)," Gauthier said. "I always thought this place was built for dogs."