Politics & Government

Dog Discrimination at County Parks?

West Hills dog park charges owners of big dogs for facility use, little dogs are free at park on other side of town.

Dog owners are claiming discrimination over an inconsistent Suffolk County park policy that charges for large dogs at one park in West Hills while allowing little dogs to play for free at another park on the other side of town, according to an NBC News report.

Owners of dogs weighing more than 25 pounds visiting the "big dog" play area at the West Hills dog park must pay a fee of up to $13 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends in summer, according to the report. 

Slimmer dogs can play for free at another park accross town.

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According to the report, county officials say the fee charged on the weekends is associated with parking and the amenities offered at the park — not dog size. 

"The fee structure that exists precedes the establishment of the dog park," said county spokeswoman Vanessa Baird-Streeter. 

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What do you think? Is this dog discrimination? Should the rule be amended by county officials?


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