Mountain Brook bans dogs from school fields, parks with playgrounds

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala. (WBRC) - The City of Mountain Brook will no longer allow dogs at playgrounds and school fields, according to changes to the city’s dog ordinance.

Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch says the city council didn’t want to pass this ordinance, but thinks it’s necessary for the safety and wellbeing of children and the public. He adds that for years, people have complained to the city about loose dogs in these areas.

While most of the dog owners are responsible, the mayor says some people let their pets run around while school activities are on fields and others don’t pick up after the dogs.

The city’s still allowing pets on the trails and you can let them off their leash at any of the three dog parks. Mayor Welch says they’re even looking into making a fourth.

“One of the more popular fields is the elementary field in Crestline and we are looking at the possibility of coming up with a -- some form of dog park in that field where we can fence those dogs off, away from the athletic activities and certainly away from the children,” said Mayor Welch.

Fines for violating the ordinance start at $25 dollars and can go up to $150 depending on how many charges you have in a year.

This is the statement from the city’s website:

For the safety and wellbeing of the children and general public that use our playgrounds and fields, no dogs are allowed at those facilities.

After much discussion over multiple council meetings that included input from the police, school officials, the Park and Rec Board, the sports groups, and dog owners, the city council approved changes to the “dog ordinance” to include banning dogs from all sports fields and parks with playgrounds. Fines may be imposed for violations.

Dogs are still welcome on our trails and can be off leash at any of the three dog parks in Mountain Brook. They are located at Cahaba River Walk, by Mountain Brook Elementary field, and by the Lane Parke Apartments. We are working to improve these areas and create more community spaces for dogs.

Read the full ordinance below:

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