WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Animal Control Officer Chris Sullivan posted the following message to residents on his Department’s Facebook page on Friday:
Good evening all,
I would like to thank you all for a mostly successful opening week with the dog park. I have not had any complaints about any aggressive dogs, and as of today, not one bite has been reported. So thank you for that, it is much appreciated, and please keep it up.
However, having said that, let me say that I am saddened to hear that not everyone is removing their pets’ waste. From what I have read and been told, some owners are leaving the bags in the park, which, although appreciated that the bags are being used, ABSOLUTELY have to be carried out and disposed of properly.
Experience has shown that litter increases with the availability of trash barrels in public parks. We had that issue at Silver Lake, the barrel(s) were removed, and so far, there have not been any litter issues down there. A responsible dog owner, when walking their dog around the neighborhood will pick up the waste, finish the walk, and will throw it out when they get home. This is the same concept. Bag the waste, bring it home and dispose of it.
My goal is to make the park a safe, fun and enjoyable atmosphere for both dogs and their owners. I am down there when I can be, but lately, it has not been often. So I am asking for YOU to police yourselves so everyone can enjoy the park. With the weather getting much warmer, no one wants to smell 6-10 bags of waste in the park.
Lastly, I know this is a small portion of owners that are leaving the waste. I have tried to talk to as many of you as I can when I’m down there, and everyone says how great it is and how it’s a great addition to the town. It CAN be better, but only if we ALL work together. If you spot a violator, please bring it to my attention. You can direct message me here, call me at 978-658-7988 x 5400 or email me at csullivan@wpd.org. My goal is to educate owners as to what is allowed and not allowed, but if owners and handlers continue to not comply, a fine, starting at $50, WILL be issued. After all, the park was built for your benefit.
Thank you all for your attention to this matter and I look forward to seeing down at the park.
Regards,
Chris
The failure of dog owners to pick up after their dogs has also been a recurring conversation starter on the Wilmington Community Facebook over the past several weeks.
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