By Chief Jim Heavey
A sure sign that winter is approaching is that on Dec. 1, Greenwich Point will reopen to dog owners and their pets. This pet-friendly provision runs through March 31 every year. But please remember: with this great opportunity comes responsibility. Greenwich Point has a fragile ecosystem and is home to endangered and threatened species, such as the Piping Plover (sandpiper), to name just one. (While I have your ear, let me remind you not to feed or interfere with any of the wildlife at the Point.)
While we certainly encourage people to get out and enjoy our town jewel with their four-legged friends, we must remind you that there are many other people using the park who are not as dog-friendly as you are. Every year, our animal control division must investigate numerous dog bites of both humans and other dogs. Let’s take this opportunity to review the rules!
Your dog should be on a secure leash that is handled by an adult at all times. The leash shouldn’t be any longer than 10 feet
(Yes, some people let their dogs off-leash below the high tide mark, but remember that you must still have control of your dog at all times and be sensitive to other people, pets, and wildlife. You are responsible for your dog’s conduct. And dogs must be leashed where there are signs posted at sidewalks and at all parks.)
There are sections of the park where the trail is narrow. You should maintain control of your dog and not allow it to jump on people, especially children and baby carriages — this is a frequent complaint. Elderly people and those recovering from injury are also especially vulnerable. Finally, remember that some people have severe dog allergies, and an encounter with a jumping dog can cause reactions up to and including anaphylaxis.
It’s required by law that all dogs have a valid dog license and rabies vaccination attached to their collar or harness. (Dog licenses are available through the Town Clerk’s office.)
You must clean up after your dog. Dog waste bags are available at the gatehouse and other locations throughout the park. Waste must be bagged and placed in a garbage receptacle.
Our animal control officers will be present during weekends, but issuing a summons is our last resort. What the officers are really there for is to urge dog owners to be respectful of others and comply with the law. The fine for most violations pertaining to dogs is $158 per violation (off-leash, out of control, and not cleaning up waste). Dog biting incidents are more serious. Fees could amount to $431 for the combined listed violations below:
• Town Ordinance off-leash in the park (T/O 7-25) $53 per dog
• Failure to Rabies vaccinate (State law 22-339b) $136
• Failure to license (State law 22-349) $75
• Roaming Statute can be used for dog not under control (State law 22-364a) $92
• Nuisance dog (State law 22- 363) $75
We often get inquiries when people report seeing a dog in Greenwich Point in the off-season. Under Connecticut statute, a certified service animal is permitted to accompany its owner into the park. This does not include support animals.
As a fellow resident, I am down at Greenwich Point nearly every day. When you’re there, please treat our Animal control officers, Suzanne Ondreicka and Carolyn Smith, courteously.
They have a difficult job, and they take excellent care of the welfare of Greenwich’s animals, both domestic and wild.
