"They're running in the woodlands, in the baseball field and in the lake," neighbor Rob Jett said.
Prospect Park has literally gone to the dogs, and Jett is barking mad about it, so much so he's sent videos and pictures to a Web site that features canine owners illegally letting their pets off leash to wander wherever.
"I'm afraid this is going to come to a head when somebody's child is attacked and mauled or, God forbid, killed by and off-leash dog," he said. "There's literally no control at all."
Long Meadow is one of three designated areas in the park where dogs can roam unleashed before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. But people apparently aren't following the rules.
Khris Wilson playing with his dog, Rufus, a unleashed Yorkie.
"I'm not going to do it when it's full of dogs or full of kids in the general area," Wilson said. "He's a good dog who stays next to me the whole time."
There is no official dog run here and critics snap, even though signs are clearly posted, officials do not enforce the law. But the parks department says it is. So far this year in Prospect Park, they have handed out 36 summons and warn undercover officers are out there, starting their shifts at 6 a.m.
Dog owner Brad Estabrooke says rules are rules.
"I understand everyone wants to use the park, and it's not appropriate, so that's why I keep him on the leash during the day," he said.
Then there's Jose, who has gotten several $100 fines for having his dogs, Lady and Nanna, off their leashes.
"They stay by me," he said. "It's like having an invisible leash.
As for Rob, he insists he's not a dog hater as some claim, but he does hope the videos embarrass the offenders into changing their bad habits.
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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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