Agenda 21: Ranger zaps off-leash dog walker with shock weapon

The area was always dog friendly until AGENDA 21 hit: Rancho Corral de Tierra has long been an off-leash walking spot for local dog owners. In December, the area became part of the national park system, which requires that all dogs be on a leash, Levitt said.

Brant Ward / The Chronicle

Hikers make their way up a dirt trail to Montara Mountain Thursday May 5, 2011, in background, part of the Rancho Corral de Tierra to be transferred. The 4,262 acre Rancho Corral de Tierra, the largest undeveloped tract of land remaining on the San Mateo coast, was recently added to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

A Montara man walking two lapdogs off leash was hit with an electric-shock gun by a National Park Service ranger after allegedly giving a false name and trying to walk away, authorities said Monday.
The park ranger encountered Gary Hesterberg with his two small dogs Sunday afternoon at Rancho Corral de Tierra, which was recently incorporated into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, said Howard Levitt, a spokesman for the park service.