by LCA Board

During these unprecedented times of safer-at-home-advisories and with many of us working & schooling from home for the first time, one incredible benefit that many people are taking advantage of here in Leeds is not just getting themselves outside more often, but also getting their dogs outside. Unfortunately, we have heard about a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding accompanying dogs in public spaces in Northampton. We hope that the following information is helpful and informative so that we all can share in the numerous wonderful public spaces Northampton has to offer in a kind and respectful way.

City ordinance 128-9 [www.ecode360.com/11954204] states that when on City property, including but not limited to: conservation land, bike paths, school grounds, watershed property, and City streets, sidewalks and parks, dogs cannot roam at large and must be restrained. This ordinance is intended to protect dogs, dog owners, public infrastructure, and water quality. All it takes is one time out of a thousand for things to get bad real fast: your dog runs out into a busy street, your dog startles or knocks someone over on a trail, your dog encounters a reactive dog, or your dog trespasses onto private property.

Additionally, ordinance 128-13 [www.ecode360.com/11954222] states that when on City property, dog owners must collect and remove all canine waste. Dog poop, which can contain several types of microorganisms potentially pathogenic to humans, such as E. coli, that is left on the ground, washes straight to the Mill River with the next rain storm. Yuck! Who wants to swim in that? You might ask, but don’t wild animals defecate or urinate in the water? Yes, they do, but they don’t share a home and a microbiota with humans that results in similar waste to human waste.

Furthermore, as much as a lot of us love dogs, that’s not true for everyone. Many people have had traumatic experiences with dogs, whether it’s being bitten as a child, living in a region/regime that uses dogs for intimidation (i.e., police, military), or just have a natural aversion to dogs. Even though you know your dog and may feel they are not a risk to someone, you cannot assume everyone shares that sentiment. Having a dog freely running about and/or running at or jumping on bystanders out for a relaxing walk imposes upon that person’s right to freely use public property.

These ordinances are not intended to hurt or punish dogs, but are meant to protect dogs, their humans and the general public. The LCA is working with the City’s Planning & Sustainability Office and Ward 7 City Councilor Rachel Mairoe to provide signage around Leeds to remind residents and visitors of Leeds’ green and recreational spaces of City ordinances around dogs.

Northampton is an incredibly welcoming community to people from all walks of life. If we all do our part, which includes taking responsibility for our dogs, we can all enjoy the benefits of our beautiful community.