Town Council will discuss the proposed leash law at the September 5th Town Council special meeting. No vote is scheduled. There are currently an appeal and a public hearing up before the leash law. Public comment is encouraged, either in-person three minutes at the microphone or by submitting written comments in advance to the clerk to read into the public record.
According to the staff report, the overall purpose of this revised language is to separate the demonstrable dog issues from any non-existing issues associated with the current “any animal” standard. Making those issues and non-issues reconcile under uniform language was resulting in language difficult to understand and enforce. For the purpose of this section the term “electronic collar” is understood to be synonymous with “e collar” and “shock collar.”. The proposed language also grants legislative flexibility to address dynamic situations as they occur.
The proposed revised text reads as follows:
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, fishing pier.
(4) 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 9:00 p.m. between May 1 and September 15 inclusive of each year, such period hereinafter referred to [as] the “season”.
(5) 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.
(6) Service dogs are recognized as a regulated animal and are exempt from the requirements of this section.
Sara says
September 1, 2019 at 1:01 pmAll dogs should be on leashes. Never know if a situation is going to occur.
Which collars, electric collars collars with spikes going into throat should be banned.
Keep the canine safe and healthy. Will be watching results. If those collars are not mentioned in the laws will make sure it is investigated by the correct authorities. Thank you.
Lorian Blewitt says
September 18, 2019 at 6:28 pmProposed Item (4) States: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 9:00 p.m. between May 1 and September 15 inclusive of each year, such period hereinafter referred to [as] the “season”.
Last weekend there were approximately 50 people on the beach around noon. I can not see the justification of extending the 9pm-9am past Labor Day when 95% of the tourists have left our town. Not to mention the expense that will be involved in having new signs made to change the current dates. Was it a hotel or B&B owner that suggested the extension till September 15th? Where is the justification for September 15th date?