Leash Laws to be Strictly Enforced at Robert E. Lee Park

Strict enforcement of the leash law will begin Monday as part of a new era for , local officials said at opening ceremonies there Friday.

“We are going to have strict enforcement of the leash law. We are very serious about this,” said Barry Williams, director of the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Parks department staffers will be on hand at the park Monday morning armed with citation books and will not hesitate to use them against errant dog owners, Williams said. Enforcement will continue on a permanent basis thereafter, he said.

Long a popular spot for Baltimore residents, especially from Mount Washington and Roland Park, Robert E. Lee Park has been closed for two years for renovations and new construction.

Williams made his remarks following a ceremony Friday marking the official re-opening of the park. Among the elected officials attending the ceremony were Mayor Stephanie Rawling-Blake and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

Under the revised plan of operation, Baltimore City will continue to own the park, which includes the Lake Roland Reservoir, while the Baltimore County Parks department will operate the facility on a day-to-day basis, Rawlings-Blake said.

Rawling-Blake and others made numerous remarks related to dog policies at the park, which had been a matter of contention for years before the facility was closed for renovation. Prior to the closing, there had been little or no enforcement of the leash law and many dog owners openly ignored the regulations.

To accommodate dog owners, part of the renovation includes the construction of a special enclosed area where dog owners will be allowed to let their pets run free, Williams said. Dubbed “Paws Point,” the special area is fully fenced and includes access to the lake, Williams said.

Regulations at Paws Point will also be strictly enforced, according to park representatives. Dog owners wishing to use Paws Point must demonstrate that their animals are properly licensed and are up-to-date on rabies vaccines. There will also be a $35 fee for users of Paws Point.

For violators of the leash law, a fine of $25 will be assessed for a first offense and $100 for a second offense, park representatives said.

In a light moment during her remarks, Rawlings-Blake admitted to having violated the leash law at the Park in the past but promised never to do it again.