Indio Dog Owners Upset Over ‘Grass’ Rule

Dog owners in Indio are in the doghouse.

According to the rule for residents of Association #9 inside the Indian Palms Country Club, dogs are not allowed on the grass.

“My white dog jumped on the grass, and [a man] told me, ‘Your dog is not allowed on the grass,'” said Raymond Valencia, who has two Jack Russell Terriers.

“Oh, my God! This strange guy just looking at me and not going to let me pass with my dog,” said Nathalie Morin, Valencia’s wife.

Flyers given to dog owners stated the rule is to protect everyone’s health and safety. It seemed some dog owners were not picking up after their pooches.

Dog owners whose dogs are caught on the grass will be fined $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense and $100 for the third offense, according to the flier.

“We’ve had an abundance of homeowners who have not cleaned up after their animals,” said Community Manager Michael Livingston, “and we have a few callers who say there are homeowners who walk their animals without a leash.”

Livingston said he did not know about the fliers being distributed.

Valencia acknowledged that some dog owners were not being responsible. But, he felt it was unfair that dogs could not walk on the grass, especially during the summer.

“I don’t understand why you have to threaten someone and say, ‘Get off the grass or I’m going to charge you $25,'” he said. “I’m like, ‘Don’t! I can barely even pay gas bills right now.'”

The yellow-colored flyers instructed dog owners to bring their dogs across the street to relieve themselves. But, even that solution was causing problems.

“The people [across the street] got mad at me,” Valencia said.

News Channel 3 tried talking to a man who residents identified as Gerard Carlin. Residents said Carlin was the one enforcing the law and making threats. He sped off.

But, there may be light at the end of this situation. Livington said a dog park is being built within 100 yards from Association #9.

It will be finished within 10 days.

“It would help keep the common areas neater, safer, smelling better and more pleasant for the residents,” he said.

Livingston said this “no grass” rule was not new. It had been in place for 15 years already.

He also added it’s a standard rule for any gated community.