Frank Cirillo lives on the edge of Woodland Park in Darien and many times has had to deal with dogs scaring his children, fighting on his lawn or running into his garage. Cirillo was just one of many who came out Wednesday night to a public hearing on the proposed dog leash law, where opinions were split between people who want dogs kept on leashes at all times and those who want their dogs to be able to run free.
"Very, very few people observe the leash law," Cirillo said. This has led to an increase of dog droppings, as well as threatened wildlife in the preserves. "There hasn't been a death yet, either because of a dog biting a human or a dog killing another dog. But that's a major issue."
Some dog owners, including Fran Sessa, say they routinely let their dogs off their leashes at Cherry Lawn Park while keeping a close eye on them and making sure they are well behaved.
"Once school is in session, the park is almost empty. And in the cold months of winter, it's virtually deserted except for dogs and their owners," she said. She believes that the proposed off-leash hours of dawn to 10:30 a.m. do not take into account people who work. "It is an insult to people who have supported this park with our tax dollars."
Jane Branigan, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, read statements from the police commissioner and the police chief in which they laid out potential difficulties in enforcing the proposed bill because of the variety of hours, the numerous sites and the number of other responsibilities of police officers.
The Parks and Recreation Commission will vote on the proposed bill in June.
Do you think that dogs should be kept on leashes at all times or have times when they can run free? Join the conversation in the comments below, on Facebook and on Twitter.
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