Submitted by Jane Sulich, Greenwich
This is really and truly the final straw. What do you do when you spend 25 plus years and still have the same problem in the Town of Greenwich. I am an avid runner who used to love to run at Havemeyer track. For years, at ad hoc times there were dogs running around loose with their owners there watching them or yet playing toss or whatever the case may be.
I simply want to be able to run without loose dogs running around the track and coming at me or tripping me, especially when there is a sign right before you enter the track area that there is a LEASH LAW and a fine but that is a USELESS SIGN since it is disregarded by people and not enforced. I went there the other day on a Sunday morning hoping that no dogs would be there because I wanted to go on soft terrain rather than constantly pounding the pavement. To my chagrin, a group of people and their dogs were having a free for all with NO leashes and I found myself just leaving frustrated and disappointed once more.
It’s getting OLD dealing with loose dogs. The problem has continued for all this time, and even if another new dog park gets voted in there will still be dog owners going to Havemeyer track since some dog owners’ view it as their personal dog park.
And for any one that thinks contacting the animal control officers is the solution, in reality it barely helps. Animal control officers are not always available to come during parts of the weekend and they are unavailable to come at any random time and at the drop of a hat.
In light of this, I decided to steer clear from Havemeyer track since I know the score. Hence, I went to Tod’s point where upon entry there is a LARGE SIGN that says “DOGS MUST BE LEASHED” and I expected no loose dogs.
I had my rose colored glasses on and I expected one thing and got another. I’m on an enjoyable run taking in the exquisite scenery and admiring the birds and all of the beauty that Tod’s Point affords. I ran up to the clam bake area (which is not below the high tide line) in order to see if the facilities were open, only to have TWO LOOSE dogs jumping all over me and barking loudly which was extremely upsetting.
The owners were approximately 10 feet away and I’m begging them to get their dogs off of me and the woman replies she understands and has been bitten.
I stated “You don’t understand”. The couple finally put the leashes on the dogs but they made no attempt to come near their dogs to assist me and help during the encounter, they just stood there watching with their hands up in the air.
Obviously, the problem stems from some irresponsible and inconsiderate dog owners who refuse to follow the laws and are flat out abusing their privileges in being allowed to bring their dogs to one of Greenwich’s jewel landmarks.
This is not my first rodeo or the first time at Greenwich Point where the dogs have been off the leash while I’m running. Runners and dogs go together like oil and vinegar.
Honestly, I think that the dogs have more privileges than the residents do, and we are paying for beach passes where we should be able to enjoy the beach instead of having to put our guard up and being made to feel both intimidated and uncomfortable due to this ongoing problem.
I feel like a second class citizen.
Even though there are many dog lovers and rightfully so, I would go so far as to say, I would like to see the dogs who are allowed access to be charged a fee to enter the park as well in some capacity.
Dogs are at the park a considerable amount of time which results in wear and tear in the area as much or more than the residents do. I’ve seen the dogs urinating on the flagpole and doing their business when some dog owners don’t pick it up.
My aim is to attempt as far as humanly possible to put an end to this problem. All in all, I appeal to anyone who can solve this DOGS OFF THE LEASH problem once and for all.
I truly hope that between all of our great town services that someone who reads this and acknowledges the fact that there are person(s) who are chronically not abiding by the leash laws. I think it’s high time someone finally rises to the occasion and brings a much deserved END to the nightmare of DOGS WITHOUT LEASHES that occurs in the Town.
Perhaps, there could be a new ordinance drafted and/or any other legal remedy or even simply hiring staff to monitor areas in order to help achieve the enforcement of the laws.