The purpose of this study was determining the scope of off-leash dogs and strategies to reduce problematic leash noncompliance in Washington D.C. National parks. Recommendations were formulated through observing dog and owner behaviors, examining social media discussion, and conducting interviews with stakeholders. It was determined that off-leash behaviors and trends were connected to specific geographical locations, and that noncompliance has worsened in recent years. We recommended examples of signage, improvements to online messaging, community engagement methods, and increasing enforcement presence.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cavallaro, Christopher
• Tanguay, Mitchel
• Hinds-Williams, Jada
• Rashkovskii, Misha

Subject

• Sustainability
• Environment
• Well-Being
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 42736
• E-project-121021-175242

Keyword

• Leash Compliance
• Rock Creek Park and other D.C. area Parks
• Dogs Off-Leash
• National Park Servise

Advisor

• Hall-Phillips, Adrienne
• Hanlan, James P.

Year

• 2021

Center

• Washington, DC Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• National Park Servise

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

Date created

• 2021-12-10

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2022-04-01