Nowhere Left for Dogs to Run?

Outside of your yard, a new ordinance in Wilton may require your furry friend to be tethered to you at all times.

What's a dog owner to do? Watch Fido's frolicking become a seasonal thing.

The latest iteration of the dog ordinance, presented at a July 6 public hearing, reads that it will be "unlawful for dogs to run at large" throughout public areas. With all playing fields, public walkways and larger spots like Wilton Center and Allen's Meadows requiring leashes, pet owners will either need to speed up their pace or slow down their pet's.

"I'm a dog owner and basically what you're saying is I have nowhere I can take my dog to run," said Toni Wiseman of Olmstead Hill Road. "People let their chidlren roam free and no one seems to consider that a hazard. A dog who is under voice control is no more of a hazard...this is a draconian, punitive law against pet owners."

Resident Vince Daily of Hemmelskamp Road said he received a ticket for walking his dog off-leash in Allen's Meadows and believed that instead of barring areas in town for the entire year, perhaps the Board of Selectmen should consider instituting the ordinance seasonally.

"From mid-November to mid-March, [Allen's Meadows] is never utilized," Daily said. "Maybe it should be available to dog walkers then."

Considering other regional areas, like Westport's Compo Beach where dogs are permitted off leashes during the winter months, both the selectmen and Parks and Recreation officials touted Daily's idea.

"We've discussed the seasonal issue and really don't have a problem with it," said Parks and Rec Director Steve Pierce. "I know I have a dog and take it down to the beach all the time where I live."

Parks and Rec commissioner Jamie Van Acker reiterated that the force behind pursuing a new ordinance was not to bar people and their pets from town but, rather, to ensure the safety of athletes and other residents. Officials also wanted to discourage a select few irresponsible dog owners from allowing their pets to soil fields and facilities, which both Pierce and Van Acker had said was becoming a problem.

The selectmen will now redraft the ordinance to include the seasonal provision, which will allow dogs to run in certain areas during the off-peak months of December through March, and present it again at their next meeting on July 19.