Dog Fight Prompts Pet Ban At Powder Springs Events

POWDER SPRINGS, GA — No more pets are allowed at most Powder Springs events after a dog fight broke out at a city-sponsored event in May, city officials recently announced.

At the city's Seafood Festival in May, two dogs — who were on leashes — got into a fight, and one was injured, city spokesperson Jon Gargis told Patch. This incident, along with concern of animal reactions to loud noises and large crowds, prompted the city to revisit its policy on allowing pets at city events.

"For the safety of the animals and the general public, the city is making this change to restrict pet access to non-event hours," the city said in a statement. "This is not a total ban on pets or animals — it's just for events."

Pets will still be allowed at the city's five parks, just as long as there's no city event underway, as well as at any pet-friendly events like the "Bark in the Park." Gargis said the city may add a second pet-friendly event in the future.

The pet ban does not apply to service animals; however, no pets — including service animals — are allowed on the splash pad at Thurman Springs Park.

"The water in the splash pad is treated and therefore not safe for consumption. There has been dog poop on the concrete which is not sanitary for the system as well," Gargis said. "No pets really was a safety issue as we didn’t want attacks, or people, especially children, to feel unsafe."