Petition to Open a Dog Park in Florence, Alabama

A dog park in Florence would encourage responsible pet ownership by requiring that all animals entering the park be current on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and not aggressive.  Issues of aggression can be eradicated if dog owners utilize the park to socialize their animals.  A well-socialized dog is a non-aggressive dog.  A dog park would also provide a safe environment in which dogs could exercise.  This would eliminate problem behaviors within the city of Florence by reducing problem barking and other negative habits that result from lack of exercise and attention.  Dogs are much happier and better behaved when they are provided with adequate exercise.  The park would give elderly and disabled pet owners an opportunity to provide exercise for their companions without overexerting themselves.  The park would also guarantee much needed community building by bringing pet lovers together in a friendly environment.  The park would benefit the community as a whole, and not just pet owners.  Dog lovers that are unable to own pets due to current living arrangements, income, poor health, etc. could come to the dog park and play with animals without the responsibility of owning one.  The park would benefit the city by bringing citizens from surrounding areas to Florence to enjoy the dog park.  Currently, the closest available dog park is in Huntsville, Alabama.  Having a park in Florence would draw tourists from outlying areas by marking Florence as a dog friendly city.  Additionally, the park would provide a fenced environment for rescue organizations and local animal shelters to host adoption events.