Dog parks are usually designed for pet owners to leave the leashes at home and let their pets run and play. But recently, the dog park on University Avenue has been creating a lot of problems for pet owners.

“The one thing I hate is all these owners not cleaning up after their animals; it’s disgusting and really unhealthy,” said Donna West, a local pet owner. Pet owners have been posting signs telling others to clean up after their pets.

“This is unbelievable. There are two stations full of bags to use and no one uses them. It’s always full,” said Michelle Garcia, another local pet owner.

Other problems include taggers doing graffiti all over the park benches dedicated to pet owners around the area. The taggers have also ruined a fountain for owners and dogs, which was placed in the park last year.

“The fountain cost $1,500. Half was paid by the city and the other half paid by the dog owners. This fountain was brand new and taggers decided to ruin it all for every dog and owner,” said dog owner George Wright.

The taggers are hard to catch because there is little lighting in the dog park and there are no cameras, making it really easy for taggers to jump the fence, do their tagging and leave. The Bakersfield police said there are constant patrols at night around the area but have made no arrests. Two brand new benches are being installed and some are wondering if they will last.

The dog park also has a problem with aggressive animals being let into the park and attacking other dogs. Two pit bulls nearly attacked a Scottish terrier inside the park two weeks ago.

“I think the problem is owners who don’t think their dogs are mean and they let them loose. They also bring them in when they have never been to a dog park before,” said Devon Pitesti.

Signs have also been posted about the aggressive animals, but the signs get taken down within a week by someone. If nothing is done about the aggressive dogs, a list of rules will be posted and if there are further problems the dog park might be off limits to everyone.

Local dog owner Stephan Lenard doesn’t want to see the park closed.

“It would be a real shame if they have to close the dog park because of the reckless behavior of some people,” he said.