[pct-l] Dogs in National Parks

[Jim Keener ( J J )]

You post an original argument on this subject. Well, not really, since ALL arguments have been made. 

Now back to the Law and Order part of this oft-debated issue. 

Jim Keener ( J J )

On Dec 12, 2011, at 1:46 PM, mark utzman <blackbelthiker at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
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