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By Miriam Raftery
JulieAnn Chaet with dog, Chloe, in downtown El Cajon
November 20, 2024 (El Cajon) – Members of the El Cajon City Council voiced surprise at Tuesday's meeting to learn that a 1997 ordinance prohibited dogs in the downtown superblock area where popular events are held. So councilmembers voted unanimously to repeal the ban and legalize dog-walking downtown.
Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio explained that the ban was originally approved due to a perception that dogs might pose health hazards and increase maintenance needs. However, “none of those concerns have materialized,” he said, adding that bringing dogs to public places has since become commonplace, including companion animals as well as service dogs.
“We see dozens of dog walkers daily in Centennial Plaza,” he noted, adding that technically that’s illegal, as is walking dogs in Prescott Promenade and other downtown areas where the public frequently brings dogs on leashes when they dine at outdoor cafes, enjoy outdoor concerts and car shows, or simply exercise their pets along public streets..
Two public speakers both supported repealing the outdated law.
Karen Anderson noted that the 2021 Census found 39% of U.S. households own at least one dog, and Pew Research found that 93% consider pets to be family members. She told the Council that she chooses which restaurants and other places to frequent based on which ones allow dogs.
Bobby, who did not give his last name, noted that El Cajon’s police and fire departments now have dogs. He said residents need to be able to walk their dogs legally. “Repeal the prohibition on dogs in the downtown superblock area,” he urged the Council.
Councilmember Phil Ortiz (photo, right) gave a thumbs up to ending the prohibition. He said that when Bobby approached him to ask if he knew that dog walking was illegal downtown, his reaction was, “No way!” He said allowing dogs would be a “great move to enhance our downtown area. Dogs are like our family members.” He noted that El Cajon is a dog-friendly community, recently sponsoring an event at a park to try and break a world record for the most dogs watching the dog-themed movie Beethoven.
Councilmember Steve Goble stated, “Most people don’t even know that this is illegal.” He added, “If we’re going to encourage housing that is pet friendly, then we need to have a place to walk their dogs and repeal this ordinance.”
Goble asked staff if dogs could be prohibited on a case by case basis such as Haunt Fest, where some dogs get stressed out by large crowds, scary sights and sounds. Staff assured that this can be done.
Councilmember Gary Kendrick, who owns two dogs(photo, left), said San Diego neighborhoods such as Kensington are welcoming to dog owners. “I think it would be great to have dogs out there,” he said of El Cajon’s downtown.
Councilmember Michelle Metschel said, “I have a houseful of animals...I didn’t know that it was prohibited. I’ve brought my big dog downtown many times and ate here at the restaurants.”
The Council voted unanimously to repeal the ban on leashed dogs downtown. A second reading of the ordinance will take place in December.
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