Cupertino Proposing Dogs Off-Leash Trial

CUPERTINO, CA — It just might be a dog's life in Cupertino if the public says so.

The city of Cupertino is gathering feedback on a neighborhood proposal to designate an area in Jollyman Park as an off-leash dog exercise area for a 10-month trial period. This proposal would allow dogs to be off-leash during selected times in the area designated.

The city is asking for input on the survey accessed at cupertino.org/DOLA, which stands for "dog off leash access." The deadline is Aug. 31.

The local government will also be hosting forums in which public feedback will be noted.

Community Input Opportunities

• Aug. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 24 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Jollyman Park at 1000 S. Stelling Rd.
• Sept. 5 at 7 p.m., Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting at the Community Hall
• Online at cupertino.org/DOLA

For the dogs off leash trial to be successful, the following rules will apply:

• All dogs must be on leash at all times except when in the designated DOLA during permitted times.
• Respect other park users. Stop bothersome behavior immediately.
• Owners must be in control of their dogs at all times. Dogs with known history of dangerous behavior are not allowed.
• Cleaning up after your dog is mandatory.
• Dogs must have current licenses and vaccinations; licenses must be on the dog’s collar; collar must be on the dog.
• Consumption of food and the use of glass containers are not allowed during DOLA hours.
• Dogs in heat are not allowed.
• No puppies less than four months of age are allowed.
• Owners must provide their own drinking bowls.
• Leaving dogs unsupervised is prohibited.
• Owners must stop their dogs from digging and fill any holes caused by their dogs.
• Violation of posted rules and regulations can be reported to Code Enforcement at 408-777-3182

Owners are legally responsible and liable for the action of their dogs, including injuries or damage caused by their dogs. The city of Cupertino assumes no liability for the users of the proposed DOLA rules.