Although the Bainbridge Island City Council did not discuss updating the animal ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting, it is expected to be on the council’s next study session agenda.
The proposed changes would require dog owners to leash their dogs in the Winslow and Lynwood Center business areas, as well as city parks. A story in last week’s Islander incorrectly stated the changes would not apply to city-owned parks. The story has been updated online.
The potential ordinance change also would include that the school and park district require dogs to be leashed on their property.
In recent years, the park district has had incidents of off-leash dogs intimidating or injuring people as well as horses.
Under the current city code, dog owners can face up to $1,000 fine for not preventing their dogs from intimidating or injuring pedestrians or cyclists.
Owners failing to keep their dog under voice control or leashed face a citation and up to a $300 fine.
There are no proposed changes to the ordinance’s penalties.