Weeks after the Department of Parks and Recreation released controversial regulations for off-leash dog parks, residents are hoping a petition will convince officials to rewrite the restrictions.

DCDOG, a group of dog owners, is asking residents to sign an online petition asking DPR to “provide the same privileges, status and rights to proponents of [off-leash dog parks] as they do to other park patrons.” Dog owners have argued that the restrictions, which include being at least 200 feet from residences and certifying a five-block radius as rat-free, leave few options for dog parks in the city. Capitol Hill residents are especially worried because of dense neighborhoods with parks that are far smaller than the 40,000 square feet needed to include a dog park.

Those who wish to sign the petition should visit www.petitiononline.com/ DCDOG/petition.html by April 29.

— Emily Yehle