Poland law would restrict unleashed pets in woods

Dogs under control could run off-leash in about one-third of the woods.

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

POLAND — Poland Municipal Forest board members want the woods to be a friendly place for those who love dogs and for 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 the remainder of the woods, people with dogs and cats must keep their furry friends either in a cage or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

“This is a middle way,” Swager said.

The ordinance calls for a penalty of $100 per offense for those who violate it.

Area set aside

Dog owners can still allow their dogs to run in the designated area, but they won’t disturb people who want to enjoy the remaining sections of the forest.

Swager said that the area set aside for leash-less dogs is a lower-traffic portion of the forest. It doesn’t boast significant flower growth or improved trails.

“Blue Bell Trail and Thacher Trail have higher traffic and people should have their dogs on leashes in those areas,” the forest board chairman said.

He said that the forest board has been contemplating such a change for about two years, trying to appease both the people who enjoy running their dogs in the woods and those who believe dogs belong on leashes.