Medford Dog Owner Cited After Animal Injures Child At Park

The city does not allow dogs to be unleashed in certain areas of the park.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a metal dog leash buckle against a dark background, lit dramatically by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty aesthetic.A leash violation citation highlights the need for responsible pet ownership in public spaces.Medford Today

A person was cited for violating a pet ordinance after their dog injured a child this past weekend at Tufts Park in Medford, Massachusetts. The dog was reportedly off its leash when it approached two young siblings, knocking over one child and giving the other a lip injury.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of pet owners following local leash laws to ensure the safety of both animals and people in public spaces. Medford has specific rules about where dogs can be off-leash, and this citation serves as a reminder for all pet owners to be responsible and keep their animals under control.

The details

According to the report, the incident occurred on Saturday at Tufts Park on 437 Main St. in Medford. The park has signage instructing visitors that dogs must be kept on a leash unless they are inside an enclosed area designated for free roaming. However, the dog in this case was off-leash when it approached the two young siblings, knocking over one child and injuring the other's lip.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Tufts Park

A public park in Medford, Massachusetts that has designated areas where dogs must be kept on leashes.

Medford

A city in Massachusetts where this incident took place and where there are local ordinances regarding unleashed dogs in public spaces.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The city will likely review this incident and consider whether any changes need to be made to local pet ordinances or enforcement to prevent similar situations in the future.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder for all pet owners to be responsible and keep their animals under control when in public spaces, especially in areas with specific leash laws. Failure to do so can result in citations and potentially put others at risk of injury.