To the editor:
I was happy to read the August 6 editorial by Paul Fixx about keeping dogs on a leash while walking the LVRT and about properly disposing of canine feces, as I am also aware that clashes between dogs and other trail users can be a problem.
Another point to note, however, is that local leash laws apply to portions of the trail as it passes through each town.
It is my understanding that the Town of Hardwick can post signs indicating that all dogs must follow the Hardwick Dog Control Ordinance while using the trail in Hardwick. These signs can be mounted on the kiosks and as the trail enters the town. The signs should also give the amount of penalty for violations and a phone number and email address for reporting violations.
Unfortunately, these signs can not say that dogs must be leashed because Hardwick’s ordinance does not actually mandate that dogs be on a leash. It says they must be leashed or clearly under the verbal or non-verbal control of the owner or hunting with the owner. That, to me, is a potential problem that can lead to a “he says – she says” situation. Perhaps the select board can modify the language of the ordinance so that, in addition to being under the control of the responsible person, it indicates something like “a leash is required when walking dogs on public roads and public trails in the town of Hardwick and in the Urban Compact of the Town of Hardwick or within the Central Business district or Compact Residential district of East Hardwick.”
The ordinance addresses pooper-scooping within the specified business and residential districts, but should be updated to specifically include public trails and roadways. It currently reads “The person in control of a dog that defecates . . .(in the urban or residential districts) shall immediately remove the fecal material and dispose of it in a sanitary manner or face penalties and costs . . .”
The select board should also consider expanding the pooper scooper section to include horse feces on the public trails and in the business and residential districts.
Cheryl Luther Michaels
East Hardwick
