COURTESY RIVERSIDE NEWS FLASH
Dogs must be leashed when walking in public. Letting your dog walk unleashed does not allow any control over your canine companion should something frighten or startle it. Other people do not know your dog and should feel safe when out enjoying village sites and parks. Similarly, dogs must be leashed on private property if they are accessible to the public on a front porch or in the front yard, etc.
Even when on a leash, dogs are not permitted on Village tennis courts, baseball fields, or tot lots. This is a matter of public health and safety.
Dog owners are required to immediately remove excrement left by their dog from any public way or property not owned by the dog owner. The fine for neglecting to do so can range from $25 to $500, with a minimum fine of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 for the third and subsequent offenses.
The Village of Riverside requires all dogs to have a Village-issued license tag and to wear a collar at all times. Dog tags must be purchased once a dog reaches six months of age and annually thereafter prior to June 30. The current rate for a dog tag is $7.50 and dog tags for the 2014-2015 year will go on sale in the next week or two. A dog owner must present copies of the dog’s rabies inoculation papers in order to receive a dog tag. The inoculation papers must include the serial number of the inoculation as well as the date it was given.
Please follow these simple rules to be a responsible dog owner.
