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..