Ken Price walks his three-month-old Red Bone Hound pup Maddie at Green Hill April 9. Photo Miranda Beck, So Salem

Roanoke County spokeswoman Teresa Hall shares this press release reminding folks to keep pets on a leash at county parks:

As the temperature rises, so do the number of visitors to Roanoke County’s many parks, which are frequented by people of all ages looking to relax, exercise, compete in a sporting event, or just have fun. With the increase in visitors, Roanoke County would like to remind folks that dogs and other domesticated animals must be carried or kept on a leash while on Roanoke County park property.

Roanoke County Police and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism staff would also like to remind people that domesticated animals cannot be brought to special events, tournaments, ball fields, or concessions areas. Service animals are exempt from this regulation. Any persons in violation of this ordinance are subject to prosecution.

Out of courtesy to other park guests, users of Roanoke County parks are reminded to clean up and dispose of any waste left behind by their pets.

Roanoke County also asks that park guests refrain from taking their pets onto any athletic field, even if that area is not currently being used for a game or tournament.