Dogs tentatively allowed: Cleveland Heights approves historic bill allowing dogs in Cain Park

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Cleveland Heights City Council has approved a pilot program allowing dogs in Cain Park.

Since 1973, dogs have been banned from all Cleveland Heights city parks. But are the restrictions just too much and not worth it?

According to the regulations of the pilot program, dogs will only be allowed in Cain Park from April 15 through Oct. 15, but never during events that draw a large crowd.

If taking your dog to Cain Park, the pooch must have a collar and be on a 6-foot long or shorter leash.

- Dogs are not allowed on the grass, only on the paved paths
- Dog owners must clean up waste properly in the park
- There will be no dog walking during the Cain Park Arts Festival and other events that draw big crowds.

People at Cain Park are happy with the pilot program, especially with the fact that owners have to pick up after their dogs.  "It should work as long as everybody follows the rules and picks up the poop.  I have no problem with it.  That's the only issue I ever have, people not walking around with bags, let their dogs do whatever and then leave them and then people like me walk up and find it with my shoe," said Rob Craig, a Cleveland Heights resident.

What do you think about the pilot program? Is it too restrictive? Tell us in a comment below.