via email from NYCDog:

November Judge Kelly issued an opinion in Juniper Park Civic Association, Inc. v City of New York denying the petition in its entirety and affirming the authority of the Park’s Department to allow off-leash time for dogs in City Parks. It is a total victory for City Parks and NYCDOG. In his opinion he also wrote:
“The court is keenly aware that while it can dispose of the legal issue presented, the broad emotional effect of the issues raised will remain. In the face of the angst and vitriol exhibited herein, common sense would dictate that something more than an ‘unwritten policy’ governing the off-leash use of parkland by dogs, which is known by few and misunderstood by many, is required in this instance. With this in mind, the statement by respondent’s counsel during oral argument, as amplified in writing, that
respondents will formalize the details of the current off-leash policy within the Park Rules, is, hopefully, more than mere puffery.”

NYCdog statement from Andrew Otis, Esquire: Today the court disposed of the legal issues in this matter and left the question of when and where dogs may be off leash in City Parks where
it belongs: in the hands of the Park Commissioner. NYCDOG applauds this ruling and looks forward to working with the rest of the City’s Park users, including the Juniper Park Civic Association, to develop workable rules that allow both for the benefits of off-leash time for dogs and their human companions and other park uses.

Congratulations to all the dog owners who showed their support for off-leash play. Congratulations also to the Parks Department for being given the, as Eric Cartman calls it, authority to make the best possible policy for all parties involved, human and dog alike. Now if only all the entrances to the parks get new informational signs about off-leash activity. NYC will be an even better place for dogs!