Politics & Government
Board Closes Dogs On Beach Hearing; Tables Discussion for 2 Weeks
Only a few residents spoke out about the issue Tuesday night.
After months of heated public discourse, the Southold Town board closed a hearing on the issue of dogs on town beaches after listening intently to comments from residents Tuesday night.
Only a few came to the podium to speak on Tuesday; in the past, hearings on the issue drew crowds.
For months, residents have been fiercely debating the contentious issue at public hearings and at a community discussion organized by Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell in June.
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The proposed legislation, which has gone back to the drawing board for revision, would prohibit dogs running at large in recreational areas, including parks, picnic areas, children's play areas, trails and athletic fields, unless they are restrained on a leash not more than four feet in length at all times.
Dogs would be allowed on town beaches if restrained on a leash from May 1 through October 6 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. At any time before or after those hours, dogs would be able to remain unleashed on the beach. They would be allowed on town designated dog runs with no leash.
Dogs would not be permitted on town recreation areas that feature signage stating that dogs or domestic animals are prohibited.
They would not be allowed on designated bathing beaches during times when a lifeguard is on duty, including Goose Creek Beach, Kenny's Beach, Norman E. Klipp Marine Park Beach, McCabe's Beach, New Suffolk Beach, Southold Town beach and any other bathing beach designated by the town board.
Dogs permitted on town-owned recreation areas would need to be under supervision, with the owner or custodian able to immediately leash the animal.
All dogs permitted on town-owned recreation areas would be required have a collar that displays a valid dog license.
In addition, all dog poop will remain the responsibility of the owner to remove; if not removed owners would face a fine beginning at $250.
At the community discussion in June, the supervisor reminded that currently, Southold Town code does not allow for any dogs on beaches. "We have to do something -- and we want to pass a code that's amenable to everyone's concerns," he said.
Mattituck resident Dan Catullo, who has said he was attacked by two dogs on the beach, stepped up to the podium to air his concerns.
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"I can't see how this law is going to help my safety or well-being," he said. "How is my safety going to be enhanced?"
Councilman Chris Talbot said the proposed law is a compromise. "We have to go in some direction and get something done," he said.
"It's the exact opposite of what we are doing," he said. "We're not wise enough to do the same. That's sad. People will say we're not the Hamptons, and we have different values — thank God we are not the South Fork — but true wisdom is universal."
Catullo asked for signage on Bailie Beach and said a public access route on the beach was a "dagger to the heart" for neighbors to the east of Bailie Beach.
Free roaming dogs, he said, do not stay on the public access passage and head up into residents' yards, "doing what dogs do — and a lot of it isn't very nice."
Catullo said if the law were tweaked to mandate that dogs be leashed on that public access portion, it would mean safety and peace of mind for residents.
"Any law that promotes anarchy, even dog anarchy, is an oxymoron and a fraud," he said.
Charlene Catullo added that if the law were to pass, she would ask for enforcement. "This should be for the safety and welfare of people — not to appease dog owners."
She also said that dogs should be leashed on the beach and enforcement is critical.
One resident said the proposed law was reasonable, except for the fact that leashes sold in stores are six feet, and the new legislation would require dog owners to have to buy a shorter leash to adhere to the four foot mandate.
The board agreed to insert language into the new law that would make it clear that a longer leash could be used, but that it could only be extended four feet.
Russell said signage would be placed at Bailie Beach and if it is vandalized or removed, would be replaced. He added that Councilwoman Jill Doherty has been in touch with Southold Police Chief Martin Flatley about enforcement.
"This will be an ongoing process, but at this point, we want to do something," Russell said. "The town board has worked hard to find as even a balance as possible."
Southold resident Mary McTigue said signs in Southampton Town show dog owners specific times when dogs can be on the beach, as well as violations.
"I can't wrap my head around the safety and health hazards," she said. "But it seems like the train has left the station and this is going to be enacted."
McTigue said she did not understand why dogs would have to be leashed at parks and sports fields but not at the beach. She also asked that specific beaches not be named in the code.
Russell said those named were bathing beaches and the mention had come after a request from the public to list them.
She also asked about code enforcement. "We want to be sure there is enough manpower to be sure this works properly."
The board closed the public hearing, with written comment still accepted. "I do not believe we are in a position to act tonight," Russell said.
The board will discuss the matter again in two weeks.
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