Boston arboretum urges visitors to keep their dogs on leashes following bird attack

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- One of Boston's best known green spaces is urging people to keep their dogs on leashes following a bird attack.

A sign at the Arnold Arboretum says that last week, off-leash dogs attacked and killed the resident Great Blue Heron near the Arboretum Ponds. The arboretum says that off leash dogs have also injured children and bike riders, as well as damaged turf and new plantings.

One frequent visitor at the Arboretum spoke with FOX25 about the loss of the Great Blue Heron.

“They’re a treasure for the people who do get to see them when they’re here and they’re not always here," said Jamaica Plain resident Jeff Perrin. "But it’s tough ‘cause there’s not many places where dog owners can have their dogs off leashes either, so it’s kind of a tricky situation.”

The Arboretum says the bottom line is that off-leash dogs are not permitted at any time, but visitors are welcome to bring a dog as long as they stay on the leash.

Cox Media Group