| Title |
A Study on Off-Leash Dog Runs in Urban Parks as Public Facilities - Case Studies of Dog Runs in Urban Parks in Tokyo |
| Keywords |
도그런 ; 도시 공원 ; 도시 애완동물 관리 ; 공공시설 Off-Leash Dog Runs ; Urban Parks ; Urban Animal Management ; Public Facilities |
| Abstract |
An off-leash dog run in urban parks is a new type of park facility, which is to reduce conflicts between dog owners and other park users while promoting park uses. This study aimed to review the benefits of off-leash dog areas and to investigate dog runs in Tokyo’s urban parks, the first off-leash dog area in Asia, in order to acquire insights on possible application in Korea. Literature reviews, an interview with the managers in the Tokyo Park Association, and case studies of eight dog runs in Tokyo have been conducted. The results show that cost-effective dog runs attract large numbers of people who demand a place where they can exercise their dogs without interfering with other park users. They also provide dog owners with opportunities to learn about responsible pet ownership and promote neighbourly interactions and community participations through various events and park maintenance. Since local government plays a major role in urban animal management which emerge as a social issue at present, offering an experimental dog run based on community participation will be a meaningful starting point to effective urban animal management. |