Dear Editor: I am writing to express my dismay with the recent stepped-up enforcement of anti-dog regulations in Hoboken. Under the current law dogs are not allowed, even leashed, anywhere in the parks except in the dog runs. I am unable to sit on a bench with my dog next to me on a leash. I cannot walk in the new waterfront parks, which my tax dollars helped pay for, with my dog. I have been told by numerous fellow dog owners of police officers asking them to leave the parks under just these circumstances. I consider these regulations discriminatory and exclusionary. I understand that the city is reacting to the problem of irresponsible dog owners not picking up after their dogs. As a responsible dog owner, I feel that those who do not pick up are in the minority and are ruining the quality of life for those of us who do. I implore those dog owners who are breaking the law to stop ruining it for the rest of us. I’m aware that many parents have complained and lobbied the city council to enforce these restrictions against dogs, and I understand why they would not want dogs running loose in the parks and playground area. I also sympathize with the health hazard that dog refuse creates in these areas. I do not enjoy stepping in dog waste any more than anyone else. I think it is important, however, for parents and those without dogs, to understand the position of many dog owners. First of all, my dog Lucy is an integral part of my family. I’m sure that most people who have or have had pets can relate to this feeling. Many of these same parents who have lobbied to exclude dogs from the parks may find themselves in an interesting situation when their children start asking for a family pet. They will not be able to spend the day in the park with both their dog and children. Secondly, as a homeowner, I pay taxes to live here and use the park facilities. I did not realize that Hoboken’s parks are the exclusive domain of parents and their children. Currently, there are only three dog runs in Hoboken. This is hardly adequate when one considers that there are approximately 600 licensed dogs and more arriving every day with the current building boom. That breaks down to over 200 dogs per run. Overcrowding in the runs increases the tendency for fighting and aggression in dogs (just like in people). In addition, the runs are not properly maintained by the Parks Department, thereby making them unhealthy and unsafe for the dogs and their owners. Ironically, the Stevens Park run has a sprinkler system for cleaning but as far as I know it has never been turned on. If the City of Hoboken condones the neglect of the dog runs by the Parks Department, basically it is forcing law abiding dog owners to choose between the health and safety of themselves and their dogs, and breaking the law. I implore our Mayor, City Council members and Tim Calligy, Director of Environmental Services to consider the creation of additional dog friendly space. By this I mean additional runs as well as grassy areas where we can take dogs on the leash. If the City wants us to obey the laws it should try to do something to make it easier for us. Hoboken is a diverse community where for the most part people co-exist harmoniously through dialog and compromise. I don’t think it would be asking too much for the City Council and the anti-dog contingent to try to work together with dog owners to find an acceptable balance that we could all be happy with. Jamie Berg (dog owner, taxpayer, registered voter)