Do You Think Dogs Should Be Leashed On Southold Beaches?

Southold residents will have the chance to sound off about a controversial issue that has some howling in protest -- a proposed law that would require dogs to be leashed on town beaches.

A public hearing on the issue is set for Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Southold Town Hall.

At Tuesday's work session, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said he's received a flood of letters on the subject.

"There's a growing army of resistance to leashes on beaches," Russell said, adding that he did not know if the board would be prepared to vote on the issue at Tuesday night's meeting.

A "huge misunderstanding" exists, Russell said. "Somehow, people think we are restricting dogs on the beaches. They do not understand that the current code does not allow dogs on the beach at all. We are trying to strike a reasonable balance."

In February, after the public spoke out about the need for a leash law in Southold, the town board made some changes in the proposed legislation.

Councilwoman Louisa Evans said she, too, has been had residents reach out to her, saying, "'Leave Fishers Island out of this.' People like being able to let their dogs off the leash on parade grounds and at the beach."

"How about telling them it's not legal for them to do that?" Councilman Jim Dinizio said.

Councilwoman Jill Doherty said dog owners who bring their pooches to play on the beach are currently out of compliance with town code, which does not allow for canines on the beach at all.

"They ask, 'How can you take away my right to let my dog run free on the beach?' You don't have that right now," Russell said.

Of the proposed legislation, he said, "There has to be a little give on both sides."

The new proposed legislation would require that dogs on the beaches and on any public property be leashed at all times.

In addition, Doherty said, no dogs would be allowed on public beaches while a lifeguard is on duty. 

Under the revised proposed legislation, dogs would be required to be leashed on public beaches and roads, and in parks. No leash length was specified, she added.

What do you think about leashing dogs on town beaches? Are you for or against the new legislation? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.