SELECTMEN NEWS: Dog Park Rules & Regulations Revealed

WILMINGTON, MA — On Monday night, Wilmington Recreation Director Debbie Cipriani and Wilmington Animal Control Officer Christopher Sullivan presented the Board of Selectmen with proposed rules and regulations for the Wilmington Town Dog Park at 823 Main Street, tentatively scheduled to open in early June.

The PROPOSED rules and regulations include:

• Dogs must be currently licensed with tags displayed at all times
• Dogs must not have a contagious disease or parasites
• Dogs must be leashed when outside the gated enclosure
• Dogs must not be in heat or younger than six months old
• Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression toward other dogs or humans
• Dogs must not be wearing pronged training collars or choke chains
• Owners must not bring more than two dogs into the park at one time
• Owners must remain with their dogs in the fenced area
• Owners must fill in holes dug by their dogs
• Owners must not bring glass containers, alcohol beverages, toys or food of any kind into the park
• Owners must clean up after their dog(s) IMMEDIATELY. There is a carry-in, carry-out policy in effect
• Owners must be at least 16 years of age
• Owners are responsible for all actions of their dogs and use the facility at their own risk
• Owners are subject to removal and/or exclusion from the dog park for violating rules
• Owners must not bring children under the age of 13 into the fenced area
• Owners must keep park gates closed at all times
• Owners must immediately report all bites to the non-emergency police number (978-658-5071)

The park will be open from dawn to dusk. The park will be closed during any necessary DPW maintenance work. The park is a smoke-free facility.  Dogs will be allowed into the “small dog” portion of the park if they are shorter than 18 inches, measured from the ground to the shoulders.

The town doesn’t assume responsibility for any injuries or damage to personal property pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 21, Section 17c.

Wilmington Animal Control Officer Christopher Sullivan will be able to give dog owners who repeatedly break the park’s rules, after numerous warnings, a $50 fine.

“The intent is to make [the dog park] a user friendly space,” said Town Manager Jeff Hull, who expects dog owners to self-police themselves. “If there’s issues with dog owners not upholding their end of the bargain, there’d be some verbal counseling [from the Animal Control Officer].”

“I won’t be out there cracking the whip,” assured Sullivan.  “I’ll just be talking with [rule breakers]. Educating them.”

Cipriani explained how the rules and regulations were developed, noting an interest in a town dog park was clear after the Yentile Farm survey results.

Each member of the Wilmington Recreation Commission researched dog park rules and regulations from other communities, with the entire board then conducting a thorough review. The Animal Control Officer sought the input of his counterparts in other towns with dog parks. The Town’s Loss Control Insurance Representative was consulted.  After four meetings, from February 4 to May 5, the park’s rules and format was finalized.

The Selectmen will vote on the rules and regulations at their May 23rd meeting.  No Selectman voiced any opposition.  In fact, all expressed excitement.

Over the next two weeks, Town Manager Hull will run the rules and regulations past Town Counsel and see if any additional action is needed to strengthen the Animal Control Officer’s enforcement capabilities.

Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook.  Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter.  Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE.  Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.