Over the past few weeks, there has been controversy on when exactly a dog should be kept on a leash in a public park.
Although a dog may be perfectly behaved and listen to its owner when it is called, it may be a concern for residents who’s dogs are on a leash.
The Town Council was brought this issue at their last meeting about updating the rules for dogs to be kept on leashes in public parks.
This issue currently is that people do wish to let their dogs run around and get exercise, but it may be a disruption to other dogs that need to be on a leash.
Londonderry resident, Brian McDonald expressed his wish that there be a sign posted on every town owned park entrance in Londonderry and not necessarily on the trails and to be considerate of others.
The proposed sign was read by Chairman Tom Dolan. “ATTENTION DOG OWNERS: Per (Fill in the Blank) Ordinance, all dogs are to be leashed at all times on public property unless under the direct control of the dog owner. Direct control means the dog immediately comes to the owner when called. Please be courteous when walking your dog. If your dog is off leash and you see another owner walking his/her dog, put your dog on leash. If both parties agree, the dogs can go off leash. The intent of this notice is to remind people to be courteous of others. It is understood that people bring their dogs to the park and let them run off leash, but please be considerate of others. Not all dogs get along with other dogs, and some people are scared of dogs. Please keep this in mind and leash your dog as needed.”
Vice-Chairman John Farrell felt the sign was great as long as somebody reads it and hopes that people would naturally put their dog on a leash if there was an issue. Dolan also agreed with the sign that McDonald wrote, but felt it was too busy for a sign. The Chairman then suggested to “clean-up” the sign so the meaning is there, but fewer words for a sign. After this, the council can conduct a public hearing on whether or not to accept the sign for park entrances.
A dog park for Londonderry was originally in the works a few years back, but unfortunately was never followed through to become a reality for dog owners.