Officials pan off-leash dog plans

April 16--City police, legal and health officials all barked out some concerns about a proposed new dog control ordinance that would allow canines to run off leash at specific times in designated areas.

But the City Council subcommittee that hosted a hearing that drew some 40 residents Monday night simply forwarded proposals from an ad-hoc committee to the full City Council without recommending it for either approval or rejection.

The dog ordinance ad hoc committee has had several meetings throughout the months. Officials have taken a look at regulations in other communities, most notably Newburyport, which has off-leash areas in a park, a wooded area and on a hill.

During a mid-March meeting of the council's Ordinances and Administration subcommittee, options discussed included allowing dogs on Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach from Sept. 16 to April 30 -- with the dogs allowed to run off leash from sunrise to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to sunset -- and allowing dogs on the beaches from Oct. 1 to April 30 with off- leash times from sunrise to 9 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to sunset. Other recommendations include extending the leash length to 16 feet, and forbidding "unaltered" male dogs or dogs in heat from running free.

As of now, dogs are prohibited on beaches from May 1 to Sept. 15 and "shall be under control of the owner or keeper," according to the city code of ordinances. In addition, the maximum length for a dog leash is 6 feet. The Department of Public Works, with approval from the mayor and the City Council can designate off-leash areas, but currently, the city's only leash-free area is the newly opened Gloucester Dog Park at Stage Fort Park.

That meeting topic was continued Monday night at the Rose Baker Senior Center, where about 40 people attended. And although the meeting only lasted about 20 minutes, some audience members began to growl when they realized there would be no public-comment period.

Several city officials did speak about dog-related issues.

Gloucester's city solicitor, Suzanne Egan said Monday night that allowing dogs to run off leash could bring up an insurance issue. She said she had contacted the city's insurance agency, which recommended against an ordinance that would allow dogs on the beach.

"The issue becomes enforcement," she said. If that enforcement is not across the board, it could become a liability issue.

"(Also), the beaches are environmentally sensitive areas," she said, adding that beaches are home to some endangered species.

Max Schenk, the city's manager of environmental health services, also raised concerns about enforcement, outreach and education about cleaning up after dogs. Schenk said those issues are applicable to dogs both on and off leash -- adding that dog feces are becoming a serious problem.

"Just like any other public health issue, we have to change the culture to get people to be more responsible," added Noreen Burke, the city's public health director.

City Councilor Robert Whynott, who chairs the council's Ordinance and Administration subcommittee, said he's fed up with the feces, as well.

"I'm disgusted with the dog feces all over the city," said Whynott, also a dog owner. "Even in the dog park."

Shellfish Constable Dave Sargent said it's clear, after consulting biologists, that increased dog activity without increased enforcement could lead to contaminated clam flats. And that process, he said, can take a few years to reverse.

As to enforcement, Gloucester police Chief Leonard Campanello said the sole animal control officer cannot carry out proactive patrols; he only responds to complaints.

"The position of the Police Department is quite clear," Campanello said. "We don't make ordinances; we can only give our recommendation on enforcement."

"I cannot guarantee a strict across-the-board enforcement," he said of an off-leash ordinance.

City Councilor Steve LeBlanc, who has been working closely with the ad hoc committee, added the problem is communitywide, from Stacey Boulevard to downtown Gloucester.

He also squashed gossip about recommendations being withheld from people.

"It's so far from the truth," he said.

The subcommittee did recommend boosting the fines for dog ordinance violators, with that, too, facing council approval. The new fines would rise to $50 for a first offense and $100 for any subsequent offenses -- up from $25 and $50, respectively.

A public hearing on the entire ordinance is scheduled for April 22 at City Hall at 7 p.m., but the hearing may be continued, Whynott indicated, adding that the council has up to 90 days after the hearing to vote on the proposed ordinance.

"There is a lot of work that needs to be done," LeBlanc added.

Many onlookers hustled out of the Senior Center after Monday night's meeting, but some shared their views on the proposed options.

Bob McKown, owner of a golden retriever, said a minimal number of daylight hours in the winter are set aside for dog owners, while a majority of people who use the beaches in the off season bring their dogs.

"Why can't a couple dozen dogs co-exist (in the winter)," he said.

Gail Scola, along with her French bulldog, Cossette, said she agrees with parts of the current laws, such as not allowing dogs on beaches during the summer. But, she added, dogs deserve their days in the winter.

"To have (beach access) is a luxury for Gloucester," she said.

One dog owner said answers are not likely to come easy.

"This issue here," Roger Hussey of the Shellfish Advisory Commission said, pointing his pen around the room, "is a multifaceted issue."

James Niedzinski can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at jniedzinski@gloucestertimes.com.

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