WESTBROOK - Dogs and public beaches are like oil and water: They don't mix well. That's the message of a provision in a proposed town ordinance governing the use of town properties. The section if adopted would ban dogs, whether leashed or unleashed, from town beaches. Last week, after hearing comments from the public, the Board of Selectmen voted to send the proposed ordinance on to a Town Meeting vote in October.

The vote to send the ordinance on to town meeting was unanimous.

It was not a sudden decision. The selectmen have been weighing the ordinance-and making revisions-over the past several months. An early September selectmen's meeting at which a final draft was discussed attracted a big crowd.

Most of those who came to that meeting spoke in support of the ordinance, citing both public health and nuisance concerns that allowing dogs on the beach present. One speaker said that even though the Seaside Beach Association has bought 8,000 doggie bags this summer, some dog owners still fail to pick up after their dogs, leaving a surprise in the sand for others to discover.

Another commenter said that two dog attacks had occurred in the previous month on town beaches. Incidents like these, the speaker suggested, could present a legal liability to the town government.

Those who spoke in favor of beach walks with their dogs countered that most dog owners are responsible and do pick up after their pets. If restrictions are made, these dog owners suggested that selectmen consider just a seasonal ban of dog-walking on the beach. That step would at least reduce the potential of mixing children digging in the sand with the few irresponsible owners whose dogs leave "presents."

After hearing from people on both sides of the dog-ban issue, the selectmen decided to send the ordinance on to town meeting as is, banning dogs at all times from town beaches.

Other provisions in the Use of Public Properties ordinance garnered little public comment. Among the other activities the new ordinance would ban on public properties is the "possession and/consumption of alcoholic beverages on any beach park, athletic field, or playground" except as provided for in a permit for a special event.

The ordinance also prohibits horses and other livestock or pet animals from being ridden or walked on any designated beach, park, athletic field, or playground and also prohibits motorized vehicles, ATVs, motor bikes, and snow mobiles from the same venues.

The ordinance, however, allows leashed dogs on public properties other than beaches, such as athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds.

Originally posted here:

Dogs on Beach Debate Moves to Town Meeting