Dogs were among the thousands of attendees of this year's Oktoberfest weekend held in Frontier Park in late September.

Some dogs participated in the weiner dog derby, others were brought by their owners. But under city law, dogs and other domesticated animals are technically barred from the park during special events like festivals. Councilman Jerry Reese, Ward-6, wants to abolish the city law because he said it's unenforceable.

Reese said several people approached him during Oktoberfest to complain about the many dogs in the park, although a large sign is posted saying they are prohibited. "We're not enforcing it," he said.

Enforcement of the ordinance is complicated because dogs cannot be limited from being on the Katy Trail, which runs right next to Frontier Park. Director of Parks and Recreation Maralee Britton said for years they've tried to enforce the law. Park rangers and event volunteers would tell people they can't bring their dogs into the park, and festival goers would often walk further down the trail and then dart into the festival.

Britton said park officials estimate they saw more than 3,000 dogs during the three-day Oktoberfest weekend.

"As soon as you escort one out, another comes in," she said.

Britton said there are many special events held in Frontier Park that include animals, like the Trails for Tails 5k race, the weiner dog derby held during Oktoberfest and sheep at the Scottish and Irish festivals. "That in itself is contradictory to the ordinance, but it draws people to their events," Britton said.