Dog owners were yesterday reminded to keep their pets on a leash in public parks or face being banned. The reminder followed recent complaints to Department of Parks staff, of dogs roaming in the Botanical Gardens and the Arboretum.“The Department of Parks today reminded dog owners about their responsibilities when taking their pets to the Botanical Gardens, Arboretum, the Railway Trail and other parks and public beaches,” said a spokesman. “Parks staff have recently received a number of complaints from walkers, runners and other park users about dogs roaming free without leashes in various parks especially within the Botanical Gardens and the Arboretum.”A woman was bitten by a dog at Admiralty House Park several months ago and a student was bitten by a dog in Botanical Gardens last week.It is an offence to allow dogs to roam without a leash in public parks and beaches between April 1 and October 31, under Bermuda law.According to a Department of Parks official: “Should the problem persist in Botanical Gardens and the Arboretum, then the privilege of having dogs in these areas will be discontinued. The cooperation of the general public is greatly appreciated in this matter.”