The Great Dog Park Battle of 2019 is Over

Residents of Chevy Chase Village have voted to turn a controversial dog park back into a regular park

Chubbs, a golden retriever, center, convenes a grouping of canines at a small dog park which is causing some friction between locals, in Chevy Chase, MD.
(Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Chubbs, a golden retriever, center, convenes a grouping of canines at a small dog park which is causing some friction between locals, in Chevy Chase, MD. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Washington Post/Getty Images

Last month we told you about how excessive barking at a dog park in Chevy Chase Village, Maryland was tearing the town apart, and today we have an important update: as The Washington Post reports, the village board voted 5 to 2 to disestablish the dog park and convert it back into a normal park where dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.

The decision was reportedly met with a chorus of boos and cries of “you should be ashamed of yourselves” from the more than 100 people who attended the public hearing. The Post reports that the original story about the dog park debate had caused tensions to escalate, with dog owners posting the address of the park on Reddit encouraging people with loud pups to visit. PETA even sent a letter to the board on the pooches’ behalf, reminding them that dog parks are “the canine version of a human happy hour.” By Monday (Sept. 9), the board had more than 110 pages of letters arguing in favor of keeping the park dog-friendly.

Nevertheless, the park is no more; the board’s decision is effective immediately. However, all hope is not lost for the area’s furry friends: Board chairwoman Elissa Leonard promised disappointed attendees at the hearing that Montgomery County officials are planning to build additional dog parks in the area soon.

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