By Alex Malm
A proposed ordinance to make changes to the leash ordinance in town was one of the topics of discussion during the July 11 Londonderry Town Council meeting.
Town Manager, Mike Malaguti, called the proposed changes a “general rewrite and improvements.”
Malaguti said that it works to try to solve problems they have had in the past and may have in the future.
“It doesn’t institute a full leash law,” said Malaguti.
Town Clerk, Sherry Farrell, said that it is also important for people to be responsible for their pets.
“We have to be responsible for them,” said Farrell.
Farrell stated that since they approached the Town Council about making changes to the ordinance and spoke about owners being responsible for their pets they have seen a decrease in the number of calls they receive.
“I have to thank our residents; they listened,” said Farrell.
Farrell pointed out during their previous meeting that she worked with the deputy police chief to find out how many calls they have had over the past couple of years regarding concerns about dogs. She said that there were just under 1,500 incidents or concerns with dogs.
Farrell said that the calls were for a number of different reasons.
One suggestion offered by Town Councilor, Deb Paul, was to have the definitions on what determines a “Menace” or “Vicious Attack” explained in the ordinance, so p1eople don’t have to go to refer to the RSA to find out what the meaning is.
Malaguti said that he thought it was a good idea.
Town Council Vice Chair, Joe Green, said that he is hopeful that the language in the ordinance is written so they can enforce it.
“We want to push it forward so it is a solution,” said Green.
Malaguti said that he spoke with the police department who said they are on the same page when it comes to enforcement measures.
Town Councilor, Jim Butler, said he was concerned after hearing people say that they don’t want to call the animal control officer. He said that he thinks the police department should make a presentation to explain why some cases can’t or aren’t prosecuted.
“Maybe it’s not as simple as people think,” said Butler.
It was explained by Londonderry Deputy Police Chief, Kim Bernard, that the animal control officer is only a part time employee and oftentimes patrol officers respond to calls.
Bernard said that when patrol officers are responding to calls regarding dogs or other animals they have to prioritize certain calls ahead of it.
“They’re not going to clear a domestic to go check on a dog at a dumpster at that particular moment,” said Bernard.
Bernard said that they would enforce whatever the fine scale is.
Bernard said that he thinks they have a good animal control officer in Londonderry.
“Our animal control officer is phenomenal,” said Bernard.
Butler also suggested that when people are in violation of the ordinance that they have pamphlets made so there is an educational component to it.
The Council decided to amend the ordinance to have the statutory requirements of nuisance, menace, and vicious in the ordinance.