Dogs will have to be on leashes starting January 1st, 2020 as the Cape Charles Town Council adopted the final text for the leash law on Thursday. The ordinance is the fruit of several months of discussion, revision, and re-factoring.
Councilwoman Cela Burge correctly noted, “I just want to say that the final outcome is due to the amount of public input we received.”
The ordinance is finely crafted legislation that attempts to balance the needs of all citizens, those in favor of canines on lead, and those not. It is also a testament to Town Manager Larry DiRe’s talent for achieving a balance in perspectives. The new ordinance is below:
Sec. 50-191. – Domestic animals in public places.
(a) Domestic canines.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to permit such canine to run at large at any time. For purposes of this section, a domestic canine shall be deemed to run at large while roaming, running, or self-hunting off the property of its owner or custodian (Code of Virginia § 3.2-6538).
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to permit such canine to be off a leash or other physical restraint, or off an electronic collar on any public street, sidewalk, alley, plaza, or other thoroughfare.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to permit such canine to be in the following public facilities at any time: town offices, public works and utilities facilities, Civic Center, library, tennis courts, children’s playground.
(4) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to permit such canine to be on the fishing pier from May 1 through Labor Day inclusive. It shall be unlawful for such domestic canines to be on the fishing pier off a leash or other physical restraint daily between the hours of 8:00 am and 7:00 pm at all other times of the year.
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to permit such canine to be on the public beach either on or off a leash or other physical restraint, or electronic collar at any time during the period from 9:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. between May 1 and Labor Day inclusive of each year, such period hereinafter referred to [as] the “season”.
(6) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, or having custody of, any domestic canine to be in Central Park off a leash or other physical restraint, or off an electronic collar except and for times and areas under a town facility use form for specific events and\or activities.
(7) Service dogs are recognized as a regulated animal and are exempt from the requirements of this section.
The rules for dogs on the beach remains the same. Between Labor Day and May 1st, dogs are can run off-lead. From May 1 to Labor Day, that is restricted from 9 pm to 9 am.
About the Author
It says 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the text printed above for May 1 through Labor day.
What about cats running loose? Why just dogs?
Maybe u should have a dog park or beach were they are allowed to run year round. You can change a membership fee for upkeep. And day passes for visitors. With onsite groomers dog wash stations consesion stands with treats for both dogs and guest. And a play area it could be a nice tourist attraction. Just a thought I know something like that takes money and planing.
When those beast start paying taxes and participating in the draft maybe they can have those things…