Iowa City dog owners have cause for joy: the Pedestrian Mall is now open for their four-legged friends.

The Iowa City City Council voted 6-1 for the ordinance, with Councilor Jim Throgmorton being the sole opposing vote. The ordinance will allow dogs on the Ped Mall if leashes are less than 6 feet in length, dogs are kept outside sidewalk cafés, and other provisions.

The council previously voted 7-0 and 6-1 for the ordinance, with Councilor Jim Throgmorton voting against the ordinance at its second consideration.

City staff indicated that receptacles for doggy doo-doo would be available on the Ped Mall.

The ordinance would also allow dogs to be off-leash in all city dog parks.

— by Nick Hassett