Glen Ellyn Park District debates banning four-legged friends

Dogs soon may be banned from attending major events on Glen Ellyn Park District properties.

Board members discussed the issue Tuesday night, and plan to formally vote in two weeks.

Though some residents have complained about dogs throughout the years, officials said a specific incident didn't trigger the idea, and that park district leaders are simply trying to take early precaution before an unfortunate incident occurs.

"In an environment where there's 1,000 people, it makes us nervous when we see these big dogs out there," Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito said.

If an ordinance is approved later this month, residents would not be allowed to bring their four-legged animals --large or tiny -- to public events, including the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, Freedom Four Run and recreation games at public parks, like soccer, football and baseball.

Executive Director Cory Atwell said often during outdoor games, large dogs stand on the sidelines next to a child that's the same size. He said the park district is trying to avoid a situation in which a dog tries to bite a child's ice cream cone and accidentally injures the child's finger, too.

Administrators and coaches would be responsible for enforcing the codes, and if residents refuse to comply, local police would be called. Signs also would be put up outdoors throughout park district facilities.

"We feel very comfortable with this, but the difficulty is enforcing this," Executive Director Cory Atwell said. "Most people are probably going to be pretty good, but you are going to run into someone who will (stand at the border) or something."

Dogs already aren't allowed at soccer games because of frightened children who are scared when owners take their dogs off the leash and let them run around loose.