Dogs Now Barred from DeFazio Complex

Dog owners are now prohibited from bringing their pets to the DeFazio Complex after a Board of Selectmen vote that was taken last night.

The official ordinance backs up months of studies conducted by the Town that found allowing pets on the property encourages more problems than rewards. The public has had a chance to weigh in on the issue, but officials believe that preventing pets from entering the complex will heighten the experience of its users.

Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick stated that problems with dog waste not being cleaned and pets being allowed to run off leash were some of the catalysts in the decision, assertions backed up by Selectmen Chair John Bulian.

"I'm very pleased with the regulations put forward," he said Tuesday night. "I'm also very pleased with the public hearing we had on June 8. I think a good number of people came out to offer some good feedback."

Exempt from the DeFazio ban are service dogs, a measure that Selectman Dan Matthews asked be added to the specific wording of the regulation.

Selectmen also voted Tuesday to affirm a vote previously taken by the Memorial Park Trustees, which called for prohibiting dogs and other animals at Memorial Park.

Additionally added to the docket was a measure to include specific literature on a "pooper scooper" law in the fall Special Town Meeting. This literature will examine the law and the ability to issue fines based on violations. The item will also consider, according to Fitzpatrick, the issue of commercial dog walkers in town.

The other item of note at the meeting related to the NIKE site.

"We are considering the NIKE site as a pilot site for a dog park," Fitzpatrick said.

Dog owners would be allowed to bring their pets to the site, Fitzpatrick said, and have them to roam off leash. The issue will be discussed with the School Committee and the Conservation Commission.

Editor's Note: This article incorrectly stated before that selectmen voted to endorse a policy to prohibit dogs at Memorial Park. Selectmen actually voted Tuesday evening to affirm a vote previously taken by the Memorial Park Trustees, the latter of whom have sole control of Memorial Park.