A debate over dogs and dog owner etiquette has broken out in Brooklyn.  

Herbert Von King Park in Bedford-Stuyvesant features a dog run, where dogs are permitted to be taken off their leashes, move around freely and socialize with other dogs.  

But Brooklyn City Councilman Chi Ossé told Spectrum News NY1 that he is hearing complaints from constituents about off-leash dogs in places they aren't supposed to be, such as the park's main lawn.  

"We've heard many of those complaints. We're trying do everything in our power to make sure people who own dogs utilize the dog run that we're lucky to have," Ossé said.

According to park rules, dogs are supposed to be on leashes at all times when outside the dog run. Owners are also told they must monitor their dogs at all times and pick up after them.

Ossé said new signs were installed in the park last week to remind visitors about the rules.

According to city data, the number of citywide monthly complaints about dogs being off their leashes more than doubled between 2019 and 2024.