The Seattle animal control has been receiving an increased amount of complaints against dog owners who allow their dogs to run off-leash on Golden Gardens beach.

Seattle Municipal Code states that dogs are not allowed organized athletic fields, beaches, or children's play areas in Seattle parks.

Humane Law Enforcement Officer, Matthew Belue, said they're sending out more officer patrols to enforce the off-leash law.

Fines for off-leash and scooping violations range from $50 to $150, and can be as high as $500 at a beach.

Golden Garden has a 2.2 acre designated and fenced off-leash area in the upper portion of the park but Belue said many people don't use them because they are worried about illnesses.

Belue said they're enforcing the leash law to prevent bite and cruelty incidents and ensure welfare of the dogs and other beach goers.

Belue said that in some incidents the off-leash dog becomes a victim of a dog bite but the bite violation can get thrown out because the owners were breaking the leash-law.

Belue said there are only 13 off-leash areas in Seattle and recommends the Jose Rizal park as the least crowded dog park.

For a complete listing of Seattle's dog park, visit the Seattle Parks website.