MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.–The City of Middletown Legislative Committee voted unanimously on March 16 to amend a local law that prohibited dogs from public parks that were not specifically dog parks.
The amendment to Section 161-7 of the Code of the City of Middletown now allows people to bring their dogs into Erie Way Park, Jerry’s Park, John F. Degnan Square, Run 4 Downtown Park, and North Street Park, effective immediately.
The amendment included several restrictions on how dogs must be handled in the parks and other requirements. Dogs in the park must be leashed at all times, as well as licensed with a municipality, have up-to-date vaccinations, and have a visible license tag on the collar. The dog’s owner must also clean up their dog’s waste and make sure that the dog stays on the leash.
Dogs in the parks are prohibited from digging, being on benches, and exhibiting aggressive behavior. Dog treats and food are also not allowed, and aggressive behavior or biting must be reported to the Middletown Police Department.
The amendment states that a violation of the law will constitute an offense.
The amendment was requested by the Downtown Middletown Business Improvement District, a local organization founded in 1991 with the goal of promoting and improving the downtown area.
The organization’s president, Maria Bruni, wrote a letter to Middletown Common Council members that said allowing dogs in certain downtown parks would strengthen the appeal for visitors and support the growth of businesses.
Bruni wrote that foot traffic has increased in the area with the opening of new restaurants, retail establishments, and residential units, and that changing the laws concerning dogs in parks would increase vibrancy and accessibility of public spaces.
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said before the committee that it was ironic that there were pet waste stations set up in parks in which dogs weren’t allowed. The Epoch Times found a dog waste bag dispenser and trash bin at Jerry’s Park at 44–46 North Street, a place where dogs would have been prohibited before the amendment.
DeStefano said that signs at parks will be changed to fit the new dog standards, and noted that the parks selected do not have playgrounds.
