An unleashed dog attacked a beaver in Rock Creek Park. The beaver had to be put down.

The injured beaver (National Park Service photo)

Many dog owners and dog walkers flout the leash laws inside and outside of Rock Creek Park. We’ve seen dogs harass wildlife in the park itself. And on May 14th, an off-leash dog attacked a wild beaver, which led to its death.

A jogger who came upon the scene at the Boulder Bridge shortly after the incident described the sight of the injured beaver as “devastating.”

“I hope people visiting the park with dogs realize the risks involved for wildlife,” the jogger wrote to Popville.

In a May 24th update, the National Park Service said: “Due to the severity of its injuries, the beaver was euthanized.” Its statement included a reminder that “dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet in Rock Creek Park and other local national parks at all times – it’s the law.”

The leash requirement is posted at Rock Creek Park trailheads.

The reasons for the lease law inside Rock Creek Park include the protection of native plants and wildlife, and reducing conflicts with other visitors and their dogs. It’s also for the dogs’ safety. They might encounter wildlife (such as coyotes and foxes) that bites back, or exposes them to disease.

And outside of Park Service land, the leash must stay on. Under the DC Animal Control Act: “No person owning, keeping, or having custody of a dog in the District shall permit the dog to be on any public space in the District, other than a dog park established by section 9a of the Animal Control Act of 1979… unless the dog is firmly secured by a substantial leash.” Department of Parks and Recreation’s Dogs in the District of Columbia brochure has an overview of all dog laws and regulations.

Here’s a map of dog parks in the District. And if you know of a spot that would be a terrific place for another one, DPR has an application form with specs, regulations and petitions for the creation of additional dog parks.

So please, keep your dog on a leash, and keep beavers and everyone else safe.