Pets at the market

By The Gazette Editorial Board

The Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market on Saturdays continues to draw bigger crowds: 15,000 on July 3, the largest since the event's inception in 2006; and three others held this year drew between 9,000 and 13,000.

The event's swelling popularity is also raising worries among some animal advocates and other residents. Some even want to ban dogs or all pets.

They argue that the noisy, crowded and often muggy environment is no place for dogs - for their sake as well as people who want a pet-free environment.

We, too, are leery about people bringing pets to this or other busy public events. Hot pavement isn't great for animals' feet, and we wonder about dogs that might lose their cool when interacting with other dogs or crowds of humans, especially curious kids. There are health concerns as well. Seems like potential for trouble.

Still, we think a ban goes too far. Few if any serious incidents have been reported, say officials at the Downtown District, which coordinates the event.

Nonetheless, the Downtown District does not encourage people to bring their pets to the market. There is a “zero tolerance” policy that includes these rules:

l Pets must be on a leash no longer than 4 feet (there's already a citywide leash law for dogs and cats) and kept by their owner's side at all times.

l Pets must be well behaved and sociable with other animals and people; otherwise, owners will be asked to remove them from the market venue.

l Pets must be kept away from produce, plants and prepared food products.

l Pet owners should respect fellow patrons' space.

l Clean up after your pet.

Downtown District staff, about 20 volunteers and three off-duty police officers are on hand to help enforce the policy. Problems should be reported to them or the District's booth.

The policy and people's response seems to be working so far. It boils down to owners being responsible and also making sure their animals aren't suffering.

Unless that scenario changes, we don't a need for the District or city government to lay down a heavier hand.