LAYTON, Utah — As the largest city in Davis County with more than 84,000 residents, Layton only allows leashed dogs in its parks. Some residents say it's time for that to change.

"The dogs are so important to people," said Layton resident Jennifer Shephard. "They're so valuable for humans' mental health, physical health, and social health."

Shephard often drives to the closest off-leash dog park in Clearfield, which is about 15 minutes away from where she lives. So Shephard created a Facebook group called "Layton Needs a Dog Park" more than a year ago, hoping to get the issue back on the city's agenda.

"I didn't realize Mac's social needs were going to be as great as he demands," Shephard said of her dog.

In a statement, Layton Parks and Recreation Director Dave Price said the city "is

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