Letter: Ready for a leash resolution
Thursday, May 19, 2005
We have been following, with interest, the discussion of the new regulations relating to dogs at Mount Misery. In our communities, families with dogs have few opportunities to enjoy off-leash recreation. We have formed dog owner groups to work with our local governments to provide open space options to serve the recreational needs of all citizens. We appreciate the opportunities for off-leash recreation that already exist in the Commonwealth. We hope, that by providing local dog recreation space, the demand on places such as Mount Misery will lessen.
We agree with laws requiring people to clean up after their dogs and support tough fines for those who do not. Dog feces are unsightly, damage the habitat and pose a threat to the health of our rivers and oceans. We strongly encourage the stewards of public lands to provide biodegradable bags and trash barrels as an added incentive for people to clean up after their pets.
As responsible dog owners, we also appreciate leash laws. They protect us and they protect our dogs. A leashed dog can be restrained from over-enthusiastically greeting a passerby, another dog, or charging after a squirrel into traffic. Experience tells us that an encounter between an unleashed and a leashed dog is more likely to result in an attack than an encounter between two leashed or two unleashed dogs.
We believe it is in the best interest of all communities to provide options for off-leash recreation. Dogs need to socialize with other dogs and with people. A properly socialized dog does not bark or lunge at other dogs. Moreover, a properly socialized dog can easily be trained to walk appropriately on a leash. And, a tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
We are delighted that the Lincoln Conservation Commission is giving further consideration to the regulations that were approved in March. We look forward to a solution that, invoking the words of the commission chairman, will protect the land and the ecosystem it supports and ensure that Mount Misery continues to serve the many and diverse needs of all persons in the Commonwealth for passive recreation.
Michele Biscoe
Somerville Dog Owners Group
Penny Cherubino
Boston Dogs | |
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