[pct-l] Dogs in National Parks

[mark utzman]

A post I read today about whether or not hikers are dog friendly on the
trail prompted me to send this reply. Why do we always let the proverbial "
bad apple " ruin it for the rest of us who are responsible and do want to
abide by the rules, but some of the rules have gotten so stringent and out
of hand it borders on the ridiculous. To say since we as hikers don't want
off road vehicles on the trails and make it illegal to do so, then we as
hikers should just accept all the other rules imposed on us by the
government, including dogs in state and national parks, doesn't hold water.
I know by first hand experience that horses, pack mules and llamas have a
MUCH MORE detrimental impact on trails and the back country than do dogs,
and horses and pack mules are permitted on state and national park back
country trails, while dogs are not. Please don't misunderstand me, I love
horses and have ridden horses in the mountains and it is a wonderful way to
travel: I am just trying to make a point. Horses destroy the trail. Period.
Dogs do not. After about 2 years of investigating, researching and
contacting state and federal agencies and speaking with a dozen or so
employees about the rules and regulations concerning dogs in national
parks, I finally spoke with a park superintendent that did some research
and later contacted me ( I was intending to wing it and risk taking my dog
through national parks, thinking a fine would be minimal ). She told me
that the penalty for taking a dog in the back country of Sequoia/Kings
Canyon National Park and Yosemite National Park is a $5000 fine and a
potential 6 months in jail!  WHAT?? Some felonies are not even so severe.
California is bankrupt. It's revenue for the state. Here's an idea of mine;
Why not implement a permit system for dogs, that if a hiker is going to
take a dog through a state or national park they must apply for a permit to
do so, charging a fee ( revenue ) and explaining some basic rules that will
be enforced, such as dog must be on leash at all times, bury or pack out
poop, etc.Just as a hiker must obtain a back country permit, and also in
California a campfire permit (if you build a campfire ), why not allow dog
owners to get a permit for their dog? I know it is not a perfect idea or
solution, and there seems to always be a loophole someone finds. OK, punish
the bad dog owners, but don't punish the responsible dog owners. Just a
thought.   Mark