The Walkway Over the Hudson is the latest chic tourist attraction for NYS. Many jog and or walk and entertain themselves at this site. Inspite of the evident aesthetic beauty of this bridge spanning the Hudson River there is a dark side that has not been able to be resolved. This bridge was created from an old railroad bridge...lots of steel and through years of conversion now has become laden with concrete and rails and has become a walkway....promoted nationally by NYS Tourism. The residents highly questioned in the state of the economy an allotment of $5,000,000 for two welcome centers at the bridge. Fine. But the state can not seem to curtail the problem of oblivious dog owners. The bridge temperatures sour and the base becomes a griddle on the hot summer days and like dry ice in mid winter. Well meaning, but very unintelligent dog owners walk their dogs on this mile and a half span on this pavement. The temperature causes damage to paws as well as heat exhaustion or frost bite all arise under these conditions. The park and the walkway have been respectfully asked to "prohibit" entrance for animal humane reasons at select temperatures. Their answer is a wishy washy sign "recommending" them to refrain and showing the temperature. They have said that when they see a dog crying or in visible pain they arrange to have the dog taken off the bridge or given water. I was appalled that it would take this. These animals depend upon humans for their care. Imagine walking on a hot griddle or on dry ice!!! The New York Park Service needs to be told that this is NOT OKAY. Please help this plight. Demand that NYS protect the human rights of the animals by prohibiting this through legislation or a park rule. It does not seem that difficult. New York Park Service must force the users of this attraction to care for the animals.
