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I'm not sure why a cop was ticketing in Hampton Park. It IS a designated dog park and you can find this information at the City of Charleston website here: http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=1283 The cop was clearly misinformed about there not being dog parks downtown seeing the city website states there are two dog parks downtown and one in West Ashley maintained by the City. Or maybe the city is tightening down and only a section of the park is actually an off-leash area. I admit I have not been there in some time so I'm not sure if there is a new area just for dogs or not. Also try Hazel Parker Park, located at 70 East Bay Street. The City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is currently renovating the park, with plans to create a larger dog run. But as far as LCD knows, this is still an area open to off-leash dogs even during ongoing rennovations. And like the website above mentions, there is a new dog park in West Ashley. And there is always the James Island Park. The dog park there is a very popular location because it has water for the dogs to play in and is completely fenced. The James Island Park is very close to downtown. Cannon Park is NOT off leash. It is dog friendly, but the dog must be leashed at all times. Dog UNFRIENDLY parks would have signs that state dogs are not allowed on the property under ANY circumstance. Many parks designed for children don't allow dogs. The local leash law can be confusing. The section about voice control is for a circumstance such as letting your dog out in your yard to do his business and he wanders over your property line. If under voice control, you won't get a ticket for him being off leash. However, should he cause any damage or attack while off your property etc., you will be prosecuted. Here's the section about public property, or areas that are city maintained such as recreational areas and parks: "no animal shall be allowed at or in an athletic field or athletic facility without such animal being physically restrained or leashed so as to allow the animal to be controlled unless the director of the department of recreation determines that during certain hours or under certain conditions at certain athletic fields or facilities, animals may be permitted to occupy such field or facility under sufficient strict voice control without physical restraint, in which case the field or facility shall be posted accordingly" In other words, if you are in a recreational area all dogs MUST be PHYSICALLY restrained ( leashed) unless otherwise indicated as an off-leash area. If indicated as an off leash dog park, you're good to go. Leash laws are important and should be followed so just make sure you are in a off-leash designated area before you let fido off lead. Hope I've helped!
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