Magnuson Dog Park

On October 5th, without as much as a simple fact-check, KOMO 4 news aired a story about an alleged dog attack resulting in the death of a dog at magnuson dog park. Through talking with direct sources, local veterinarians, witnesses who were at the park that day, and animal control, I can assure you that these attacks are false. From the information we have gathered, the boxer was killed either by a car or other accident due to owner negligence, and was never even at the dog park that day. Why someone would feel the need to cover up their dog's death with an elaborate story that has created hysteria at the dog park is unknown, but it does go to prove an important point. If you do attend the dog park, always be aware of your surroundings. Keep and eye on your dog and other dogs around you. If you see rough play that makes you uncomfortable, either ask the owner of the rough-housing dog to please remove their dog, or leave the situation yourself. If you see behavior that is inappropriate, do not be afraid to notify the owner of that dog that you will call animal control if they do not remove their dog. If you see a fight break out, call animal control and let them know what you have witnessed. Give as much detail as you can. If there are others, exchange contact information with other witnesses and the owner of the injured dog. If anyone has a camera, which most cell phones today do, take photos of any injuries incurred by any dog or human victims.

We all want our local parks to be safe for everyone. Irresponsible behavior, be it a dog or human, is not to be tolerated. Never be afraid to report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Seattle Animal Control can be reached at (206)386.7387, and press 7 to speak to the dispatch officer. I personally keep this number on speed dial, don't be afraid to do the same!

And, on my own personal note, if you do own a pit-bull-looking dog that frequents the dog park, be very very careful, especially at Magnuson. There have already been two accounts of frightened dog park goers assulting innocent pit bulls, one of which was only a 5 month old puppy that was kicked in the ribs. Please protect your dog, and consider another method of socialization for a short while until we can get the media to air a retraction to this story.