COEUR d'ALENE - Every summer, animal control officers in Coeur d'Alene deal with complaints about citizens bringing their dogs to the city's parks and playing fields.

Each year, those complaints skyrocket during the annual Fourth of July celebration in City Park.

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department is reminding pet owners that dogs are never allowed in nearly all of Coeur d'Alene's parks, including the baseball, softball and soccer fields.

"Coeur d'Alene reserve officers and animal control will be writing citations for dogs in the park, dogs off their leash and the failure of owners to pick up their dogs' excrement," states a press release.

Although the park rules are clearly marked in several locations at City Park, many citizens still attempt to bring their dogs with them to the park during summer events, keeping the animals on leashes, seated on blankets beside them or in portable kennels. This is not allowed, and dog owners could receive a citation, said the police department.

They also remind pet owners that fireworks frighten animals that often break out of confined areas and run loose.

"They can become agitated and act with aggression toward any strangers that approach them," the police department warns.

Owners are asked to keep their dogs and cats inside in a safe, quiet location to reduce the stress on the animals.

Citizens are reminded to obey city ordinances for dogs, and be responsible pet owners because the ordinances will be strictly enforced.

A citation issued by a police officer for violation of the dog ordinances is a misdemeanor.

Dogs must be maintained on a leash no longer than 10 feet in length and the leash must be of sufficient strength to restrain the animal. The animal must be in the control of a person of sufficient age and they must have the physical ability to restrain and control such animal.

Tubbs Hill and along the concrete portion of the Centennial Trail in Coeur d'Alene City Park are the only exceptions to the city's rule keeping dogs out of the parks.