Parents interviewed by this reporter expressed concern about their children’s safety while in an area where they are supposed to play and have fun.
“I’m not afraid of my child getting hurt by another child, what concerns me are the dogs,” Christina Delos Santos said.
Every afternoon, she and her children spend time at Micro Beach “to exercise and to get fresh air.”
Other residents interviewed by this reporter said they, too, are wary of the “boonie” dogs.
“I thought the government has found a solution to this mess — why don’t we see any improvement?” one of them asked.
“I think the new mayor’s promises are getting nowhere. Wait until a dog bites a kid and parents will sue the government,” another resident said.
An employee of the Division of Parks and Recreation, who declined to be identified, believes that trash, such as food leftovers, is the major reason why dogs go to the area.
“I think those who use this area should play a part in keeping the it clean,” he said. “Clean park equals no dogs.”
Residents who play tennis at American Memorial Park’s court said they are also facing the same problem.
“I play with two creatures — one human and one dog. The human chases my shot, the dog chases me,” one of the tennis players said.
