Poland would tighten the leash on dogs

POLAND — Poland Municipal Forest board members want the woods to be a friendly place for those who love dogs, and those who don’t.

Village council passed first reading Tuesday of an ordinance that would require people using a majority of the 220-acre forest to keep their dogs and cats on a leash.

Jim Swager, forest board chairman, said the forest’s current regulations require people to keep their dogs under control.

That’s caused some problems when what Swager describes as a small number of dog owners don’t control their pets and the animals scare children, charge other dogs or nip at joggers.

The ordinance before council — which typically passes upon approval of the third reading — would still require all dog and cat owners to control their pets.

But those who want to allow the animals to run off-leash would be confined to about one-third of the woods, the area between Butler Trail and Interstate 680.

For more, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com