In consultation with the WNMU leadership team, Western New Mexico University has decided to reopen the dog park on the following conditions:

1) Effective immediately the following temporary rules shall be established. The dog park shall reopen when the necessary signage posting the following rules is installed:

a. Dog defecation is to be immediately removed by owner.
b. Aggressive dogs are not allowed in the park. Dogs exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior are to be removed from the park at once.
c. In the event of dog bite or injury, owner/guardian must exchange current tag information and phone number.
d. Dogs must not be unattended. Any dogs left unattended will be taken to the shelter.
e. All dogs must be spayed or neutered.
f. For the health and safety of puppies, no dogs under the age of four months are allowed to use the facility.
g. All dogs over the age of four months shall be fully vaccinated and licensed. All dogs must wear collars and tags.
h. Dogs with communicable diseases are not allowed on park premises at any time.
i. Female dogs in any stage of heat are not permitted in the park.
j. Small children must be closely supervised by an adult at all times. Please discourage your child from running to minimize the chance of your child being chased.
k. Dogs only! Animals other than dogs are not permitted inside the park.
l. Alcohol is prohibited.
m. Glass bottles and/or containers are not permitted in the park.
n. Grooming of dogs is prohibited in the park.
o. Abandoning of animals is prohibited.
p. Excessive barking is prohibited. Dogs that are excessively barking are to be removed from park immediately.
q. Owner assumes all liability associated with their behavior and their animal's behavior. WNMU is not responsible for any liability associated with the use of the park. Persons entering the park do so at their own risk and liability.
r. Park is open from sunrise to sunset. The park will be closed for periodic maintenance.

2) The temporary rules shall be in place for a trial period of six months or until new rules are established.
3) A committee of citizens shall be formed to recommend permanent rules and dog park hours.
4) The university shall work with Silver City to:
a. Provide a dividing fence to separate big dogs from small dogs.
b. Allow Silver City Animal Control to respond and remove any animal whose behavior is inappropriate, is not properly vaccinated, has been left unattended, or is in violation of the established rules.
c. Allow Silver City Police or other enforcement personnel to issue citations as per the City's various code enforcement and ordinances.
5) The dog park shall be closed for routine maintenance with a schedule forthcoming.

"I greatly appreciate everyone's participation with this," WNMU President Joe Shepard write in an email to those who attended a recent meeting about the dog park. "Any additional thoughts or suggestions you may have would be appreciated. I look forward to continuing to work with each of you to create a better integration between the university and the community. Thank you for your thoughts and time."