The board of aldermen made that decision Tuesday night. Recreation Director Patrick Randolph told the board he has been receiving more complaints lately and recalled two cases where dogs nearly got away from their owner. One incident included a dog trying to run after an individual causing his handler to fall out of a chair onto the ground. In the other episode, Randolph said a dog tried going after another dog. In both instances, Randolph said, the animal owner was obeying the city's leash laws. Regardless, it was enough to alarm him about the prospect of an attack on a spectator. "My concern is what could happen if the owner couldn't control their dog," Randolph said. Randolph sent a memo to the board dated May 28 about his concerns. At Tuesday night's aldermanic meeting, the board voted 5-0 to follow Randolph's recommendation and outlaw animals from being allowed on the grounds at the complex. The only exception is for guide dogs. The motion was made by Alderman Jerry Cullom; Beth Kendall seconded it. Alderman Jim Dreyer was absent from Tuesday's meeting. "I don't feel that is the place for them out there," Kendall said. "It seems to be a distraction. They are either barking or getting loose and running onto the field." Randolph told the board he has received between five to 10 complaints from spectators about animals getting out of hand in the last two months. "I have nothing against dogs, but someone could get bit," Board President Fred Flake said. "Who would be liable for that? That could happen." Alderman Phil Tallo, who works as a serviceman for CenturyTel and is around dogs daily, said the animal restriction could prevent a dangerous situation. He added that it's common for a dog to get spooked by a child running or screaming. "You never know how they are going to react to a stranger and I think it's the same situation out there," Tallo said. "I think it's a safety issue. I also like animals and dogs, but they're unpredictable sometimes." Randolph said signs alerting visitors to the new rule would be ordered Wednesday and be installed at the athletic complex once they arrive within three to five days.