By Robert C. Solera, Community Development Director

‘“The Bone Zone” is for Dogs

Because the City of Sunny Isles Beach does not allow dogs on the beach or in City parks, and because there are many dog owners who need a place to take their dogs, the City created a dog area – “The Bone Zone” – at the northeast end of Senator Gwen Margolis Park, 178th Drive and North Bay Road.

In “The Bone Zone,” dogs may run free in a sanctioned unsupervised setting and engage in friendly play. Divided into two sections –  one for small dogs (less than 25 pounds) and one for large dogs (25 pounds and more) – the dog area contains Dogi Pot pet stations for owners to clean up after their pets, a water station for washing off and providing a refreshing drink, and benches for owners to relax while their dogs play and socialize.
All visitors to the Bone Zone must adhere to the following rules:

• Enter The Bone Zone from the street. Dogs are still not allowed in the open area of the park.
• Dogs must be on a leash until they are safely and securely in either the small dog or large dog section.
• Owners must clean-up after their dogs.
• Owners must fully close the access gates.
• As is the law in Miami-Dade County, no pit bulls are allowed at any time.
• All dogs must be vaccinated and licensed in Miami-Dade County.  A collar and tags should be worn at all times.
• Owners may not leave their dog at the dog park unattended.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult while in the dog park.
• Users of this facility do so at their and their pets, own risk as this is an open dog park facility.
• Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by them.
• Dogs showing aggression towards people or other animals will be removed from the park; animals that exhibit a history of aggressive behavior will not be permitted.
• Puppies using the park must be at least four months old.
• Dogs in heat are not permitted.

Street parking for the Bone Zone is available. Parking in the church lot is not permitted. 

City Parks and Beach not for Dogs

Except for “The Bone Zone,” dogs are not allowed in City public parks or on the beach as per Miami-Dade County’s Code regulating animals and fowl and City Ordinance No. 98-51, Section 5-4. Violators are subject to an immediate fine of $50.00. These regulations help protect both our citizenry and their pets. Within our community, the City’s Code Enforcement and Licensing Division enforces this section of the code. 

Signs have been posted in all the City parks notifying dog owners that they are in violation if they allow their dogs into any of the parks. The Department’s Enforcement Officers actively enforce these regulations.

These laws are implemented to prevent the spread of parasites and diseases carried by dogs and cats that are contagious or communicable to humans. These parasites and diseases, such as round worms, hookworms, toxoplasmosis and even rabies; may be transmitted through contact with animal defecate, or through an animal bite. These laws are enforced – not as an attempt to restrict the enjoyment of pet ownership – but rather to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the citizenry and visitors of Sunny Isles Beach.

An unleashed dog running at large is the most common offense that may lead to more serious consequences. The majority of dog bites occur as a result of this type of negligence on the part of the dog owner.

Enforcement action can range from civil fines, to capturing and impounding a loose dog. Additionally, criminal action can be brought against those who violate the Animal Cruelty and Dangerous Dog Statutes.

Florida is a no-fault state and dog owners are liable for any damage done by said dog. Penalties can include imprisonment or fines in excess of $10,000.00, as well as other civil liability. The best thing any dog owner can do is to ensure that their dog is kept under competent supervision, leashed, or contained in an appropriate manner. As required by City and County law, vaccinate your dog(s) and cat(s) against rabies.

Did you know?

Sunny Isles Beach enforces Miami-Dade County’s Animal Control Ordinance, Chapter 5, as adopted.

• Section 5-4:  Prohibits dog owners’ from bringing their dogs into any public park or public beach. Violators are subject to a minimum fine of $50.00.
• Section 5-5:  Requires animal owners’ to immediately remove any animal defecation deposited by their pets on public and, in some instances, private property.  Violators are subject to a fine of up to $200.00.
• Section 5-6a:  Prohibits anyone, who owns or harbors any dog(s), from allowing their dogs to run at large unleashed onto any public and in some instances private property.  Violators are subject to a fine of up to $350.00.

Regional Dog Parks open to all residents of Miami-Dade County:

• Greynolds Park East 16700 Biscayne Boulevard 305-945-3425. Open dawn to dusk with a $5.00 entrance fee enforced on the weekends.
• Amelia Earhart Park 401 East 65th Street 305.685.8389. Open dawn to dusk. Entrance fee $5.00.

The Bone Zone will be open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 7:30am – 8:30pm. There may be some closings during hours of operation, due to special city functions or events. These will be posted prior to the closing.