Eugene, Ore., bans non-resident dogs from downtown

March 10 (UPI) -- The Eugene, Ore., city council on Thursday voted to ban dogs from the downtown area unless their owners live or work in the neighborhood.

The vote came after a rash of complaints from residents that the number of aggressive dogs in the area had become a problem. Critics, however, said the measure, which is temporary, was really aimed at the city's homeless population in an effort to force them out of downtown.

The measure, which goes into effect on a trial basis until Nov. 1, would ban all dogs except those owned by people who live or work in the area. Service dogs and dogs traveling in vehicles are exempt from the measure. Violators could face a $250 fine.

The portion of Eugene, which is Oregon's third-largest city, that would be included in the ban is about 12 blocks, officials said.

Proponents of the ban said dog owners who don't live downtown still could walk their dogs elsewhere.

"No one is being asked to give up their dog," said Councilwoman Claire Syrett, who admitted she's walked her dog in the area before. "We would just be asking that they don't bring it to this particular area."