City Council and mayoral candidates joined more than 50 dog lovers in the La Quinta Cove on Saturday evening for a forum that focused on one issue: The need for an off-leash area or larger dog park.

“We're here to come to a solution. There are other equally important issues facing the city, but we don't care,” host Roger Hopkins said to a laughing crowd gathered at his home. “It's difficult to chart a course without a compass. These candidates need our direction.”

Dog owner Paula Harrington said she came to tell the candidates that something must be done, and sooner, not later.

“The two parks we have now smell and are too small. My German Shepherd, Charmagne, hates it there,” Harrington said. “She walks up and down that fence, confused that she's closed in.”

Several candidates empathized with community members who took offense at animal control officers who fine owners in Civic Center Park and at the top of the Cove for disobeying the city's leash law.

City Council incumbent Stanley Sniff said the officers are acting on the wishes of the majority of the council.

Mayor Don Adolph, who is seeking re-election, said a potential piece of land is being considered for a new dog park near Fritz Burns Park.

“We need to take them off the leash and let them run,” Adolph said. “You're right — our animal control officers sometimes get a little more aggressive than they should with enforcing the leash law.”

Resident David Florez said the leash laws should be relaxed and the control officers “need to be reined in.”

Others complained the existing parks have nowhere to draw water for the dogs, so they must bring their own.

Mayoral candidate Kenneth Doran said he believed large dogs need a place to run, but said he was in favor of providing a temporary park while focusing first on a neighborhood revitalization program.

City Council candidate Kristy Franklin encouraged attendees to consolidate their ideas and attend a future City Council meeting.

Candidate Larry Pughe told the crowd he has a plan in place to use the property near Fritz Burns Park.

“The city's animal control is out of control,” Pughe said. “They must use more common sense and stop constantly fining everyone.”

Candidate Robert Sylk said he agrees the Fritz Burns area is ideal for a new park. He suggested it could be made fun and comfortable for owners and their dogs.

“There should be free permits at City Hall where owners could come in and sign a release form stating the city is not responsible for accidents,” Sylk said.

Candidates Robert Wright and Matt Wise did not attend the forum.