somerville dog: a weblog

Alderman-at-large William White's resolution,

that the Administration take measures to publicize the City's dog leash law (Ordinance 3-34)

I would like to take the opportunity to assist the administration in acting on this resolution:

Sec. 3-34. Dogs at-large.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any dog to permit any such animal to run loose or be at-large within the corporate limits of the city. All dogs found any place other than on the premises of the owner or custodian shall be deemed to be running loose or to be at-large within the meaning of this section, except such dogs that may be under control by means of a chain or leash, not longer than six feet or those that may be in any vehicle or boat, while so therein, which shall be deemed to be under personal control of owner or custodian thereof.

In the course of establishing dog parks, the City will have to amend the language of this ordinance to except areas designated as and in accordance with the rules governing designated off-leash areas.

Update 6 August 2004: In the Regular Meeting on February 12, 2004, the Board of Aldermen adopted the order included in the January 27 report of the Standing Committee on Legislative Matters (comprising aldermen Thomas F. Taylor, Chairperson; John Connolly; Bruce Desmond; Denise Provost, and William A. White, Jr.),

that OHCD [now the Office for Strategic Planning and Community Development] recommend to the Board strategies for reducing damage to turf by dogs, the feasibility of establishing dog runs in the city, and the advisability of modifying the city?s leash law at these locations.

Somerville dog owners embrace the continuing effors of our aldermen to address our need for off-leash areas.