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NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. – New signs have been posted, and the Playground and Recreation Commission means business. Playgrounds and ball fields are not doggy bathrooms, and anyone violating the “No Dogs Allowed’’ bylaw will be charged and fined.
The signs, larger and more obvious than previous signs, were installed Thursday, Playground and Rec Commission member Robert Parker said.
At a recent game, Parker said he watched a woman boldly walk right past a “No Dogs Allowed” sign and walk her dog on Lasell Field. When he approached the woman about the ban, she said she didn’t see the signs, he said, but later in the day he saw the same woman at the other end of the field, the dog semi-hidden behind the bleachers.
Parker said the ban has been in effect since Nov. 9, 2009, when the Northbridge Board of Selectmen and Town Counsel OK’d the Playground and Recreation Commission Policy and Procedure Manual.
The policy states, “All residents and non-residents are hereby forbidden from bringing any and all dogs and/or any pets onto any town athletic and/or playground facility in which the youth participate in any type of sport or recreational activity.’’
“Anyone found to be in violation of the PRC rules and regulations … is subject to criminal charges and any fines,’’ Parker said.
Comments (8)
WHERE is the place for dogs?
Here is a novel idea.................how about in your yard? Why should Govt. have to provide a space for your dog? I like to discharge firearms, the Govt. doesn't provide me a place in town for me to do that.
You could go down to the canal on Chrurch St extension and let your dog go sown there with the other irresponsible dog owners are (not all who go down there are irresponsible) and turn your dog free down there inspite of the signage to the contrary. I saw a guy and his buddy down there the other morning getting ready to go for a Mtn. bike ride. After they got all suited up and ready to go he turned 4 dogs loose to run free and do as they will. It was more important for him to let his dogs go free and have fun than it was to ensure that some kid or person who may be terrified of dogs to be able to enjoy the area.
Like was said earlier.........................ban the SLOBS!!
Thank you Northbridge for actually enforcing the no dogs rule! It will be nice to go to a sporting event without worrying about dealing with their mess. There is a place for dogs, but it is not at a public sportsfield or playground.
Is there anywhere in Northbridge dogs and dog owners ARE welcome? When the town collects the fee for dog licenses, dog owners should be informed that dogs are not welcome in this town. As a matter of fact someone with a dog is treated as if they are committing a crime.
Really? Are you serious?
Why should dogs be allowed to crap all over the athletic fields, where our children play? The bacteria and parasites in dog feces can cause serious issues for children.
I have a dog and walk him all over town but, on his leash is a (get ready for this, becuase it is obvious you don't use them) bag dispenser that I use to clean up after him.
Do you find it particulary attractive to walk the neighborhoods of this town and see pile after pile of dog doo on the burms, sidewalks and other places? Do you allow your dog to poop on your neighbors lawn?
Why shoud your dog be allowed to crap in the same spot my child plays on? Why should ANY dog be allowed to defacate and have it be left anywhere? It's disgusting, completely selfish and harmful to both people and other pets.
Go to Whitin Community Park, dogs are welcome there. They have signs that ask very nicely that you clean up after them...so maybe that's not the place for you or your pooch.
The beautiful landscaping behind Unibank on Cottage St, also a nice place to walk your dog. Again, they ask that you please clean up after them.
Wal-Mart sells them by the dozen for about $7. Pick up a pack and walk Fido to your hearts content. Just pick up the tootsie rolls please...
So, I can't bring a dog but I may bring a horse? How about a goat?
What is actually needed is a ban on slobs. Mr. Parker makes lucid points in his letter to the editors, however, it IS possible to properly clean up dog feces without leaving behind something to step in.
First, the responsible dog owner (not a slob) knows his dog's bowel movement schedule and takes the dog to a secluded spot to do its business. Then, with the use of proper equipment, available at any pet supply store, the waste can be removed effectively.
As for urine from mammals, it is sterile and percolates quickly. Air quality, and the phlegm that many athletes incessantly expectorate are a far bigger health hazard. But again, a good dog owner knows her dog's bladder schedule, too.
As for criminal charges and fines, that's an idle threat since I am aware of no town by-law or MGL on this matter. The signs would have to meet certain requirements for size, position, and state that taking a dog onto the grounds is considered trespassing, the only crime I think could apply in this case. Mr. Parker is correct in addressing this issue, and I agree it is an issue, but his efforts are mis-focused.
Dogs are not the problem, slobs are. Ban slobs.
"The policy states, "“All residents and non-residents are hereby forbidden from bringing any and all dogs and/or any pets onto any town athletic and/or playground facility in which the youth participate in any type of sport or recreational activity.’’"
Sorry Jethro, Mr Ed gotta stay off Lasell...
The sign at the Legion read "No Dogs." Then, another sign has a list of rules including "All pets must be leashed" and "Clean up after your pet."
This rule has unfortunate consequences for my dog and me, who used to enjoy taking a rest at the shaded bench at the Legion field. And, yes, I always make sure my dog goes in an out-of-the-way place and I clean it up. I don't want to step in it any more than you do.
I realize, however, that this rule resulted from lazy dog owners. It's just sad that such people exist.