By Justin Pottle
Every dog has its day. And in Greenwich, that day is December 1.
On Sunday, Greenwich Point will be opened to the town's canine lovers and their four legged friend through the end of March.
But Tod's Point won't be going to the dogs: They remain on a (legal) short leash. In light of the town's tight regulation of canine frolicking in town parks, this year Greenwich Police and Parks and Recreation are collaborating on an initiative to better educate local dog owners of town rules.
"We're just asking that owners are respectful and responsible, because we want to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the Point," said Officer Suzanne Carlin of Greenwich Animal Control.
Those who break the rules could face fines of up to $140.
By town ordinance, all dogs must be kept on leashes no more than 10-feet long anywhere on Greenwich Point, and must be held by an adult. Below the average high water mark on the beach, which is public domain, dogs must be monitored, under control and not cause any disturbance to humans or other animals, according to Connecticut General Statues. Dogs must also have a valid dog license attached to them at all times.
Police noted that patrols will be frequent along the beach, but in the first few weeks will mainly endeavor to educate dog owners of the existing rules. The town-operated booth at the entrance to Greenwich Point will be manned on Sunday despite usually being closed for the day. An attendant and beach patrollers will be distributing flyers detailing the restrictions on dog access to Greenwich Point.
"Trying to get people to comply is always challenging," said Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano. "The least we can do is an initiative to hand out flyers to educate people."
During winter months, officials walk a tightrope trying to respect the desires of two very different groups of residents. While many in town cannot wait to bring their dog back to the park, others are less than thrilled by the canines' return.
"We often get complaints from people who have been knocked down by a dog of substantial size," Siciliano said, "but we hear it on the other end from owners who say this is their only chance to enjoy the beach with their dogs. It's a double-edged sword."
The rules regarding dogs and parks are an attempt to harmonize the interests of both camps.
"We just want to comply with the regulations and for people to keep their dogs under control," Siciliano said. "By educating folks, we can do a better job of keeping our parks safe for everybody."
www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Dog-lovers-your-long-wait-is-almost-over-5018132.php
Every dog has its day. And in Greenwich, that day is December 1.
On Sunday, Greenwich Point will be opened to the town's canine lovers and their four legged friend through the end of March.
But Tod's Point won't be going to the dogs: They remain on a (legal) short leash. In light of the town's tight regulation of canine frolicking in town parks, this year Greenwich Police and Parks and Recreation are collaborating on an initiative to better educate local dog owners of town rules.
"We're just asking that owners are respectful and responsible, because we want to make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy the Point," said Officer Suzanne Carlin of Greenwich Animal Control.
Those who break the rules could face fines of up to $140.
By town ordinance, all dogs must be kept on leashes no more than 10-feet long anywhere on Greenwich Point, and must be held by an adult. Below the average high water mark on the beach, which is public domain, dogs must be monitored, under control and not cause any disturbance to humans or other animals, according to Connecticut General Statues. Dogs must also have a valid dog license attached to them at all times.
Police noted that patrols will be frequent along the beach, but in the first few weeks will mainly endeavor to educate dog owners of the existing rules. The town-operated booth at the entrance to Greenwich Point will be manned on Sunday despite usually being closed for the day. An attendant and beach patrollers will be distributing flyers detailing the restrictions on dog access to Greenwich Point.
"Trying to get people to comply is always challenging," said Parks and Recreation Director Joe Siciliano. "The least we can do is an initiative to hand out flyers to educate people."
During winter months, officials walk a tightrope trying to respect the desires of two very different groups of residents. While many in town cannot wait to bring their dog back to the park, others are less than thrilled by the canines' return.
"We often get complaints from people who have been knocked down by a dog of substantial size," Siciliano said, "but we hear it on the other end from owners who say this is their only chance to enjoy the beach with their dogs. It's a double-edged sword."
The rules regarding dogs and parks are an attempt to harmonize the interests of both camps.
"We just want to comply with the regulations and for people to keep their dogs under control," Siciliano said. "By educating folks, we can do a better job of keeping our parks safe for everybody."
www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Dog-lovers-your-long-wait-is-almost-over-5018132.php
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