Leash Up Key Messages

Danger

• Tucson is a haven for desert wildlife, including javelina, coyotes, snakes, and mountain lions. Off-leash dogs are in danger of attacks and altercations with other animals, endangering themselves and the native animals.
• Off-leash dogs in on-leash areas can be dangerous to other dogs and people.

Others' comfort at the park (fear)

• Some people are terrified of dogs. Dog owners should consider other people when visiting public spaces.

Pet safety

• Off-leash dogs can run away when frightened, resulting in getting lost or even darting out in front of traffic.
• Some dogs are uncomfortable around other dogs, leading to altercations and tense times at the park.

Sports Fields

• Sports fields are not an off-leash area.

Clean Up Key Messages

Sports fields

• Sports fields are no place for dogs or their poop. Players are focused on the game and not looking down to avoid sliding into a pile of poop

Yuck factor

• Let’s face it. Dog poop is gross and smelly. People should not have to worry about stepping in dog poop when they are at the park.

Health of other animals

• Many diseases and parasites such as salmonella, E. Coli, and roundworms, can be spread through your dog’s poop.
• Contrary to popular belief, dog poop is not a fertilizer. Dog waste is highly acidic and contains more nitrogen than cow manure, which can burn the grass and result in brown dead spots if not picked up. It can also contaminate fruits, vegetables, and surrounding areas since it contains bacteria.

Arizona Revised Statutes

• ARS 11-1012: Dogs not permitted at large; wearing licenses

  A. Neither a female dog during her breeding or mating season nor a vicious dog shall be permitted at large.
  
  B. In a rabies quarantine area, no dogs shall be permitted at large. Each dog shall be confined within an enclosure on the owner's property, secured so that the dog is confined entirely to the owner's property, or on a leash not to exceed six feet in length and directly under the owner's control when not on the owner's property.
  
  C. Any dog over the age of three months running at large shall wear a collar or harness to which is attached a valid license tag. Dogs that are used for control of livestock, being used or trained for hunting or dogs, being exhibited or trained at a kennel club event or engaged in races approved by the Arizona racing commission, and while the dogs are being transported to and from such events, need not wear a collar or harness with a valid license attached provided that they are properly vaccinated, licensed and controlled.
  
  D. No person in charge of any dog shall permit such dog in a public park or upon any public school property unless the dog is physically restrained by a leash, enclosed in a car, cage or similar enclosure or being exhibited or trained at a recognized kennel club event, public school or park sponsored event.

Tucson City Codes

• TCC 4-97: Being at large prohibited; exceptions; impoundment; penalties.
  It shall be unlawful for any dog owned, possessed, harbored, kept or maintained to be upon public streets, sidewalks, alleys, parks or other public property unless such dog is restrained by means of a leash, chain, rope, cord or similar device not more than six (6) feet in length, and of sufficient strength to control the action of such dog, except as may otherwise be provided in this Code. The owner of any dog found to be at large shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished pursuant to this section.
• TCC 4-102: Dog waste removal; exceptions.
  It shall be unlawful for the owner or person having custody of any dog to fail immediately to move and dispose of in a sanitary manner any solid waste deposited by such dog on public property or deposited on private property without the consent of the person in control of the property. This section shall not apply to blind persons, persons with mobility disabilities, or police officers or other law enforcement officers accompanied by police dogs while on emergency.
• TCC 21-3(7)(1): Domestic animals. Bring or escort a dog or any other domestic animal or pet into any area within park boundaries which is clearly marked by signs bearing the words: "Domestic Animals and Pets Prohibited in This Area." This provision shall not be construed as permitting the running of dogs, domestic animals or pets at large. Bring in or escort any dog, domestic animal or pet in those areas where such animals are permitted unless restrained at all times on leashes not to exceed six (6) feet in length and unless they wear a collar and display thereon a valid city license.

Leash Up Sample Posts

Danger

• Javelina vs. dog: Who do you think is gonna win? Don’t gamble on your pet’s safety. Keep your dog on a leash to keep it safe from wildlife. #LeashUpCleanUp
• You never know when a javelina or coyote is going to pass through. If your dog is on a leash, you have a much better chance of protecting it. #LeashUpCleanUp

Pet Safety

• Your dog may be friendly, but you can never predict 100% how it will react when greeted by another dog or child. Keep it leashed to keep everyone (including your dog) safe. #LeashUpCleanUp
• You wouldn’t want your dog alone in an animal shelter because it got scared and ran. You can prevent that from happening by simply using a leash. #LeashUpCleanUp
• The City of Tucson has designated 11 off-leash dog play areas throughout the city. tucsonparks.info/dogparks #LeashUpCleanUp
• Help us keep our parks safe for all people and their pets. #LeashUpCleanUp

Fear/Other People or Pet's Discomfort

• You don’t like it when a child runs up and surprises your dog. Well, parents don’t like it when your off-leash dog runs after their children. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Not everyone is a dog person – A loose dog can be a pest to others. Don’t be that owner. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Let’s make a deal - We won’t let kids loose do what they want in the dog park if you keep your dog leashed in on-leash areas. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Imagine your biggest fears running straight at you when you’re just trying to enjoy the park. For some, your dogs are their biggest fears. Keep that in mind and leash your dogs in the park. #LeashUpCleanUp
• If you are tempted to take your dog off-leash in an on-leash area – don’t. Stop and consider the effect of your behavior on others who are using the area.
• Your dog may be well trained, but others may not be, and walking your dog without a leash interferes with their pet's safety and others. #LeashUpCleanUp

Sports Fields

• If only people followed the rules like we expect our dogs to. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Too bad we can’t bribe people with treats to make them follow the rules. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Sports fields are not off-leash areas. We have dog parks for that. #LeashUpCleanUp

Clean Up Sample Posts

Health of Other Animals

• Did you know that dog feces can spread diseases such as salmonella, E.Coli and roundworms? Don’t start a puppy pandemic. Make sure to pick up after your dog, even if it doesn’t have any symptoms of having an illness. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Contrary to popular belief, dog poop is not a fertilizer. Dog’s waste is highly acidic and contains more nitrogen than cow manure, which can burn the grass and result in brown dead spots if not picked up. It can also contaminate fruits, vegetables and surrounding areas since it contains bacteria. Do us all a favor and pick up after your dog. #LeashUpCleanUp

Yuck Factor

• Quick, what’s grosser than gross? Yep, stepping in dog poop on your daily walk around the park. Respect your parks and your fellow humans - clean up after your dog. #LeashUpCleanUp
• The park isn’t your yard. Pick up your dog’s poop. #LeashUpCleanUp
• We’re tired of saying please. Clean up your dog’s poop when you’re at the park. #LeashUpCleanUp
• We’re not asking you, we’re telling you - Pick up your dog’s poop. It’s gross and nobody wants to step in it. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Until your dog can flush, it’s your job to scoop its poop. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Do we really have to explain why you should pick up your dog’s poop at the park? Just do it. #LeashUpCleanUp
• Poop is a 4-letter word. It doesn’t belong in our parks. #LeashUpCleanUp
• We need YOUR help keeping our parks clean. Please clean up after your pets. #LeashUpCleanUp

Sports Fields

• You don’t get points for dodging poop. Sports fields are not for dogs. #LeashUpCleanUp
• FYI it’s not just player’s feet on the ground in a sports field. How would you like to get down for push-ups or sit-ups only to land in a pile of poop? #LeashUpCleanUp

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• newspaper
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• social media
• billboard
• video