IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (KGTV) - Dog owners in Imperial Beach are upset and concerned about their pets' safety after the city installed wood chips at the Veterans Dog Park.
The wood chips were installed at the park on 1075 8th St. less than a month ago. Several dog owners say the wood chips have become stuck in their dog's paws, leaving them raw and irritated. Others told 10News their dogs left the park limping.
Some dog owners say the park used to be loose dirt that would get messy and muddy. The park was temporarily closed, but owners never thought wood chips would be the solution.
Imperial Beach City Manager Andy Hall told 10News the wood chips are only a temporary solution. Hall explained people started complaining when the dog park closed because the grass was run down to just dirt.
Hall said the city thanks dog owners for their feedback. He explained the city is already looking at installing a type of hybrid turf that is made specifically for high-traffic dog park areas.
Hall, however, didn't have a timeline for when that turf will be installed.
Several dog owners plan on attending Wednesday's City Council meeting to voice their concerns to city officials.
The meeting is at 825 Imperial Beach Boulevard at 6 p.m. The item is not on the agenda.
