Last modified: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:08 AM EDT Attleboro council OKs dog park law BY GEORGE W. RHODES SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - Despite some last-minute yipping from councilors in opposition, the city's proposed dog park ordinance was approved Tuesday, paving the way for the eventual construction of a fenced space where pooches can run free and socialize with other dogs. Councilors voted 9-2 to approve the law that creates legal parameters for the leash-free park. Councilors Kim Allard and Gerald Chase voted against. Allard did not speak on Tuesday, but last week raised concerns about funding, safety and the ability of the city to enforce park rules. Chase said he would only vote for the ordinance if the city enacted a ban on pit bulls. Several councilors raised worries last week. The ordinance sets out guidelines for the park, which will be a first for the city, but is part of a growing national trend. While the law permits the construction of a park, city finances won't allow it unless it's built by volunteers. But that's exactly what park proponent Roberta Collins intends to do. Collins, who proposed the ordinance almost a year ago and worked to convince councilors it was good for the city, let Attleboro know how she felt after leaving council chambers. She let out scream that could have brought police to the windows of their station next door. "Yahoo, I'm elated!" she said. "There's a lot more to do, but I'm up for the challenge." Collins said she will work to raise money and organize volunteers for the park. While volunteers can run the park, it will be supervised by the park department, which would also create rules for the facility. No site has been chosen for the park. While councilors overwhelmingly approved the ordinance, some still seemed to have concerns, saying the creation of the law does not mean a park is imminent. They said donations and a site will still have to get approval before the park can be built.