Dogs on the run

Animal control cites pet owners in Mount Vernon

Peter Merlez, executive director of Midtown Community Benefits District, which does daily maintenance at the park, said Mount Vernon Square has become increasingly littered over the past few months. Merlez said he can see some animosity between pet owners and some neighborhood association members who frequently call 311 about loose dogs.

"It's reached a point where it's become confrontational," Merlez said.

Merlez said his group along with Friends of Mount Vernon Place have contacted the city about possible solutions, including building a dog park in Mount Vernon.

"I live in the neighborhood, and I work on the greening of the park," said Martha Dougherty, parks chair for Friends of Mount Vernon Place. "We've been planting flower beds at that address. But there just seems to be many more dogs than there has ever been. It's not a dog run, but that's what it's become."

City Councilman William Cole IV, who represents the district, agreed that Mount Vernon needs a dog park but said there is no parcel of land readily available.