Mamaroneck Village Board Solidifies Dog Leash Law at Harbor Island

Dogs in the Village of Mamaroneck will no longer be allowed to roam without leashes on the Rushmore Avenue side of Harbor Island Park, said village officials at last night's board meeting.

The proposed law—which was approved unanimously by the board—will amend Chapter 260 of Mamaroneck's parks' code. Last year, the village temporarily expanded the area the dogs could be walked to the Rushmore Avenue side of the park; previously, dog owners with a valid dock permit could walk their leashed dog back and forth from the car to their boat between May 1 and Nov. 1. 

But once again, animal waste proved to be a problem.

"We did get complaints, quite honestly, from the Harbor Master and a few other residents in the village that a lot of dogs were off leash and that there was a lot of dog waste throughout the park," said Mayor Norm Rosenblum.

Dogs will be allowed in Harbor Island Park—between the Mamaroneck River and Delancey Avenue—between 6-8 a.m., year round, with a leash not longer than eight feet in length. Between dawn and dusk, though, leashed dogs can be walked on the Rushmore side of the park throughout the year. 

"Goose corps" dogs employed to chase Canada Geese out of the park and police dogs will be exempt from the restrictions.

Violators are subject to a fine of up to $250.