Dogs, Leashes and Excrement; Problems in Essex!

ESSEX, CT — There has been a steady conversation going on amongst residents of the town of Essex regarding off-leash dogs on walking and hiking trails, as well as, pet owners being irresponsible about removing their animal's waste from several sidewalks in town.

Essex has always been viewed as a dog-friendly place, where four-legged friends are welcome residents. However, in recent months, perhaps spurred by the pandemic and the increase of outdoor use of the trails throughout town and more walking activity on sidewalks, some residents are unhappy with others' choices to unleash their "friendly" dogs and/or not responsibly remove their animal's waste.

On several different Essex-focused Facebook pages the issue has been broached over and over again.

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Recently on The Town of Essex's Facebook page, a resident posted, "We often walk our dog on Main Street and have noticed an uptick in piles left behind by others. For the health of our community, human and canine, picking up pet waste is important."

On the People of Essex Facebook page, a resident posted a photo of new signs put up at Cross Lots, which is owned by the Essex Land Trust and therefore is not covered by the town's leash law. This location has often been at the forefront of many of the angry off-leash dog conversations. The new signs state specifically, along the property lines, that the land abutting the property is private property and that there is no trespassing.

The Essex Land Trust has posted on its Facebook page that it is aware of reports regarding irresponsible dog control practices at the Cross Lots preserve and it is working to address the matter.

It goes on to state, "We appreciate the efforts of responsible dog walkers to abide by established rules and will continue to make efforts to ensure compliance by all."

Will these new signs help alleviate the problem? What do you think? What is your solution to this problem in town?