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Recent Opinion & Letters Out with the new, in with the old Dog regs are much needed Just give her peace Safety Corner: Plan your own fire escape Letter: Will regs ruin Mt. Misery?

Editorial: A dogged issue
Thursday, March 24, 2005

Last week the Conservation Commission held a public hearing to explain new regulations at Mt. Misery concerning dogs.
     The new regulations require dogs to be on leashes at all times on the property, and also instill a "carry in, carry out policy" for dog feces.
     Commissioners said the regulations are a result of an increase in use negatively impacting the environment, as well as a constant string of complaints about out-of-control dogs running rampant, attacking people and other animals.
     Both residents of town and of surrounding towns - most of whom walk their dogs at Mt. Misery - attended the hearing, gave their opinions on the bylaw and suggestions for how the commission and the dog-walking community can compromise. The commission listened intently to their comments, questions and concerns. However, the regulations are set.
     We wish the commission held the public hearing before approving the regulations. The commission is allowed to put regulations in place without garnering public input, and commissioners said they plan to keep suggestions in mind and reevaluate the situation at Mt. Misery in the future. But many who spoke had meaningful suggestions that created compromise and addressed safety issues. It's too bad these suggestions could not have been actively discussed before the vote took place.
     We also wish people who have had bad experiences with dogs or have witnessed incidents at Mt. Misery shared their stories at the meeting. This personal perspective was one that surely could have put the new regulations in a different light and was missing from the meeting, except in tales recounted by commissioners.
     Commissioners and their stewards at Mt. Misery now have the task of implementing these new regulations. We hope the process goes smoothly, and we hope dog-walkers, although unhappy with the regulations, will abide by them.
     The commission did take a difficult stand on this issue, and we respect them for it. It is not easy to install change, especially at a place that many say has facilitated mini-communities of people who share experiences, beliefs and a love for nature and animals. But we hope the next time proposed regulations are discussed, the commission - and any town board - will actively seek input from those affected the most before a vote takes place.
     

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