February 2, 2012                                                                                   

Via Facsimile & Via Email

[(562) 431-3710]

          Re:      RCSD Board Agenda Item Request For 2/14/12

                    UNLEASHED DOGS IN RCSD’S PARKS

Dear RCSD Board Members & General Manager:

          We received this email yesterday from an RPMT Member:

“I wanted to let everyone know that there was a dog attack yesterday afternoon at Rush Park. My wife and friend witnessed these two large dogs no leashes or owners viciously attack a small dog on a leash the woman screamed and two men came from across the st. to help one man managed to hold one dog down while the other dog got away. Another woman called 911 while the owner of the little dog rushed her dog to the animal hospital. Sheriffs & Animal Control showed up and took a report with the men. The little dog was not responding and bleeding really bad from the neck I hope she made it....I didn't hear anything and was wondering if you have any info on this? I want to thank those two men for stopping what could of been a worse situation my 3 yr. old was playing on the playground nearby. That's not the first time dogs have been unleashed at Rush Park I've seen people let their dogs run around the park and into the kids playground many times now....Need more patrol at the parks!” Brian

This has been a constant problem in the RCSD’s parks.  We personally know of a female who was knocked down by a loose and charging dog who caused her to suffer a torn meniscus tear requiring surgery and physical therapy.

          Residents have complained relentlessly only to hear Henry Taboada’s reply that “his hands are tied.  These incidents happen when were close”.  However, Mr. Taboada has also stated that off-leash dog violators have told off his staff when it has been brought to the violator’s attention to leash their dog.

          As taxpayers, we find that this ongoing negligence to take any responsibility for Rossmoor Resident’s safety while visiting RCSD’s Parks is inexcusable.

          It is requested that the Board prepare a report for the March Board Meeting with proposals to enforce RCSD Park Policies and have the O.C. Dog Leash Code strictly enforced.  The following suggestions have been continuously voiced by Rossmoor Residents:

1.                 O.C. Animal Care patrol parks in unidentified vehicles.  Officers will still attire in O.C.A.C. uniforms but vehicles will be unmarked.  We know this will cost milage for each employee who utilizes their own vehicle.  RCSD should supplement the increase in costs to O.C.AC.;

2.                 A surveillance system be installed in RCSD’s Parks with warning signs of monitoring;

3.                 If a resident continues to violate RCSDs Park Policies and the Dog Leash Code, this resident should be permanently evicted from RCSD’s Parks.  Should the resident return, a restraining order should be enforced with the attorney costs and fees applicable to the violating resident.

          The foregoing incident, although tragic, could have been far worse on a child.  If RCSD is unable to enforce the O.C. Dog Leash Code and their own park rules, then this latent power should be returned to Orange County for enforcement.  The lack of responsibility is a liability to all residents as well as tax payers for any costs, fees, damages incurred by an off leash dog.

Sincerely,

ROSSMOOR PREDATOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

David & Rebecca Lara