Reminder on pet etiquette in parklands

Generally speaking, within all Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), and most National Park Service parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, dogs are permitted on leash under the owner’s immediate control, which means the degree of control required to prevent any uninvited contact between the dog and any person.

Park visitors are urged to check at each park for specific rules and www.nps.gov/samo/ brochure/dogleash.htm for the National Park Service parkland in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

At some large spacious areas unlikely to create user conflicts, dogs are permitted off-leash under their owner’s immediate control so long as the owner or person in possession of the dog 1. exercises the degree of control that enables the person to recall the dog on command, and 2. has a leash on his person at all times so to restrain the dog if necessary. These include certain dog parks designated by local jurisdictions.

Off-leash dog parks in the Los Angeles area include: WestridgeCanyonback Wilderness Park and posted areas in Laurel Canyon Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Griffith Park, Silverlake Recreation Area & Dog Park, and Hermon Dog Park.

For more information see www. l a p a r k s . o r g / i n f o / dogparks.htm. No Dogs Allowed

Dogs are not permitted in certain areas due to resource management issues. These areas are well marked. Dogs are not allowed on the backcountry trails of Topanga, Malibu Creek, Leo Carrillo and Point Mugu State Parks. For more information call the Angeles District at (818) 8800350.