SAN FRANCISCO — The National Park Service has delayed implementation of new restrictions on dogs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the agency announced Tuesday.
The agency said it is putting off implementation to review documents released under a Freedom of Information Act request by opponents of the new regulations. The park service said it will investigate whether a former employee improperly used a personal email address during the agency’s lengthy deliberations over the rules.
The regulations, which cut down on on- and off-leash dog-walking areas in GGNRA properties, have been praised by environmentalists and scorned by dog owners.
The rules apply to 22 sites in Marin County, San Francisco and San Mateo County.
Dog lovers claim emails released by the National Park Service show the agency was biased against dogs from the start. The park service argues it must accommodate all users of its properties, while maintaining public safety and protecting sensitive wildlife and habitat.