Animal Control officers will begin “emphasis patrols” at King County parks beginning today to enforce rules regarding unlicensed dogs, aggressive dogs and dogs not on a leash.

According to King County code 7.12.410, pets are required to be on a leash and under control at all times, and owners must clean up after pets.

The emphasis patrols are in response to numerous complaints from park users over the past year about aggressive and uncontrolled dogs. The first priority of the patrols is to educate pet owners about King County policies. However, the penalty for failure to license your dog is $75 and a first time off-leash offender could be penalized $25, with an additional $50 fine for each subsequent violation in a year’s time.

Marymoor Park in Redmond is the only King County Park with a designated off leash area. Unofficially known as “Doggie Disneyland,” Marymoor’s off leash area is 40 acres of open space where dogs are allowed to run freely unencumbered by human laws and regulations. Pets must be accompanied by an owner or handler and good doggie etiquette is encouraged at all times.