Despite rumors of Brohard Paw Park in Venice closing … it will stay open. Several weeks ago a skirmish at the park between an unattended dog and a puppy led people to believe that authorities in the City of Venice we considering closing the gates to the beloved dog beach. The incident occurred when a couple took a walk down the beach and left their dog unattended. That dog became involved with a young German Shepherd puppy … at first playing and then getting more serious. The puppy ran between the legs of a retired New York City police officer who attempted to lift the puppy out of harm’s way and suffered some scratches.
No one was seriously hurt. “There was never a public meeting or serious consideration of closing the beach to dogs” Pam Johnson, Public Information Office for the City of Venice told SarasotaDog.com “Brohard Paw Park is one of the many treasures that Venice has too offer. What this incident reminds is to follow the rules.” 
Sarasota County Paw Park rules are that your dog must remain in your line of sight and be under voice control. “After all” Johnson told us, “You visit the beach with your dog to play with them! Stay with them, throw the ball – and make sure that they stay safe.”
Two more important tips from Ms. Johnson were … don’t forget to scoop the poop and make sure your dog is current on all vaccinations.
For a complete list of Paw Park Rules, visit this page, and to see map of all the dog parks in Sarasota County, click here.