After recent reports of issues concerning dogs on Mercer Island School District and city property, the Reporter posed a question to the community in our online poll. We wondered, despite the fact that dogs are currently not allowed on school district grounds or playgrounds and sports fields, if people felt leashed dogs should be allowed after school hours.

The response in the last week weeks shows the topic has hit a nerve on the Island. To date 299 people have voted in the poll (with 58.19 percent saying yes dogs should be allowed, as long as people clean up after them).

The city ordinance dealing with animals is 7.04.110 and states that it is unlawful for a domestic animal, with the exception of cats, to enter or remain upon any public school grounds or associated school facilities.

According to Mercer Island City Attorney Katie Knight, the law applies to public schools, playgrounds and sports fields and has been in place for at least 20 years.

Many of the newer athletic fields on the Island feature synthetic turf, which does not drain or absorb the same way grass does.

Lakeridge Elementary, on it’s front page Web site, includes a reminder to all students and families that dogs are not allowed on campus.

“Thanks for being respectful of those with allergies and for helping to keep our play areas clean,” the site says.

The poll online, and story about a letter sent to South-End residents reminding them that dogs were not allowed on the South Mercer Playfields, garnered many comments from online readers. The South Mercer Playfields are owned by the school district, but are maintained by the city.

Here are a few of the comments made by local readers:

King_7: I humbly agree that the use of public resources is going to waste. This is a lose-lose situation, where tax-paying citizens are forced off grounds they paid for, and then cited by the law enforcement agency they support. Even though some I know oppose dog walkers, the better option would be to impose heavy fines on those that leave undesirable presents. (Perhaps dogs could get DNA matched to any unsightly gifts?). Even though I do not have or walk a dog, it is the citizens right to have full use and enjoyment of public property to the fullest extent of the law. Not all dog walkers are bad. There used to in fact be a dog walking group at the IMS track.

Don Summers: I am in favor of letting dogs on the property during off hours. The off-leash-areas are too limited, and in the case of the Burbank area it is unsuitable for women, in particular, at night. It’s too remote. The southend property is next to a swamp, which unfortunately my dog loves to wallow in. As a result we choose not to go there. This situation can be fixed by opening more spaces. It is my impression that most people on Mercer Island handle their dogs appropriately. This law in its present restrictive form is legislating a solution is unnecessary.

Vince: I think people should be more worried about students getting involved in using drugs and alcohol. They found a 13 and a 14 year old girl intoxicated last week and then a 17 year old was arrested with marijuana? Oy vey! Dogs on school property is the last thing parents should worry about. Take care of your kids before they all end up in rehab.