Crime & Safety

Dog Advocates Call for Independent Investigation into "Unwarranted Force"

They have published a list of demands.

Editor's note: this letter was submitted by the coalition media contact David Emanuel. 

A coalition of dog organizations that advocates responsible on- and off-leash dog walking has issued a response to an :

We are calling on Golden Gate National Recreation Area Superintendent Frank Dean to conduct a full investigation into the use of excessive, unwarranted force by a GGNRA Ranger who used a taser gun on a Montara resident who was peacefully walking his dogs at Rancho Corral de Tierra open space. Eyewitnesses have reported the Ranger was not being physically threatened in any manner by the unarmed person.

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We insist GGNRA management initiate a full investigation by an independent group with complete transparency about the events and circumstances of this incident, and to:   

  • Conduct formal interviews with all witnesses and others who were at Rancho Corral de Tierra at the time.
  • Immediately cease all ticketing of people walking dogs at Rancho Corral de Tierra.
  • Allocate reasonable space for off leash dog walking at Rancho Corral de Tierra, where it has been allowed for decades.
  • Disclose guidelines for use of force and how Rangers are trained to handle dog walking violations.
  • Disavow any harassing, hostile or abusive behavior by GGNRA personnel toward people walking their dogs at any GGNRA park unit.

Coalition members include Saveoffleash.comSFDogFort Funston Dog WalkersDogPAC of San Francisco and PRODOG.

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For more information about this incident, visit Pacifica Patch's topic page for previous coverage. 


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