GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - The City of Grand Junction is tightening the leash on what events pets are allowed to attend in Downtown Grand Junction.

Monday night, the City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance that bars pets from attending most downtown events. Pet owners will still be allowed to bring their pets to Main Street when events are not taking place.

City officials say as events like the farmer's market have become more popular, they've received an increasing number of complaints and concerns about animals being at them -- things like owners not cleaning up after their pets, dogs fighting in the street, and dogs being put into situations that are detrimental to their own health.

They say signs will be posted at downtown events reminding the public that pets are not allowed. Anyone who brings an animal will be asked to leave.

Pet owners who spoke to the council Monday said it was unfair to punish the responsible owners and well-behaved pets just because of the actions of a few. They added that most people at the events like the fact that they bring their animals.

"We'll go to Palisade instead," said Brittany Vandermark, who owns two Great Danes. "Just like we go to Fruita for the Rec Center because we don't have one here, we'll go to Palisade for the Farmer's Market where we can take our dogs."

In voting for the ordinance, council members said it was easier to enforce than many of the existing ordinances the city has regarding pets in public -- and that pets can be unpredictable when you mix them with large crowds.

Despite the new ordinance, downtown officials want to stress that Main Street is still a pet friendly place, pointing out that they installed new dog cleanup stations as part of the Downtown Uplift project.

"There are a lot of people, myself included, who have dogs who love to walk around downtown," said Heidi Hoffman Ham, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority. "Coming down to Main Street at any other time is absolutely welcome and encouraged."

There is one exception to the rule. For events that center around pets, like the wiener dog races at Oktoberfest, organizers can ask for an exemption to the ordinance when they apply for a permit.

The Grand Junction Police Department says it plans on having one or two officers on hand during each major event to help enforce the new rule. Chief John Camper told council members officers will likely issue warnings only unless pet owners become uncooperative with them.