New Ordinance Pitched Concerning Dogs On Town Property In Ledyard

LEDYARD, CT — The Town Council will hold a public hearing at 6:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Annex Building, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway, on Jan. 22 concerning an ordinance regarding "control of dogs in parks and recreation areas, school property and the historic district."

Here is the full proposed ordinance that is pending before the Town Council:

Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Ledyard

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide regulations regarding the restraint, control and leashing of dogs or other domestic animals for the welfare and safety on all public lands including any park, beach, field, or other recreation area under the control of the Ledyard Department of Parks and Recreation, or at any school property under the control of the Ledyard Board of Education or at any Historic District property under the control of the Ledyard Historic District Commission or any open space property under the control of the Town of Ledyard.

Section 2. Authority

In accordance with Connecticut General Statute 22-364:
(1) A dog’s owner or keeper must not allow their dog to roam on another person's land or on a public highway, including sidewalks, if it is not under their control.
(2) Local government may create a Leash Ordinance.
(3) Violating the State roaming law is an infraction punishable by law.

Section 3. Requirements on Public Property

Any person having charge, custody or control of any dog or domestic animal shall:

(1) Keep their dog or domestic animal on a leash and restrained at all times, while on public lands; and insure that the animal does not roam or run unrestrained. Those on retractable leashes must keep the leash to less than ten (10) feet from the person having charge of the animal.

(2) Prevent their animal from biting or injuring any animal or person.

(3) Prevent their animal from damaging or destroying public property or property other than its owner's private property.

(4) Be liable if the animal does any damage to either to the body of or property of any person, or other animal.

Section 4. Violations

(1) Violating the state roaming law is an infraction punishable by a fine of $92.00 (CGS § 22-364).

(2) Any person violating this Ordinance shall also be subject to immediate removal from the area, park or district and be subject to denial of future entry into any park and recreation area under the control of the Parks and Recreation Commission, school property or Historic District.

(3) The Mayor shall designate in writing one or more Town Officials, employees or agents empowered to take enforcement action authorized by this Ordinance.

Section 5. Severability.

If any section, or part of a section, of this Ordinance shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such holding shall not be deemed to invalidate the remaining provisions hereof.

Section 6. Effective Date

This Ordinance shall take effect on the twenty-first (21st) day after publication in accordance with Chapter III, Section 5 of the Charter of the Town of Ledyard.