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Committee urges clearer trail signage and enforcement after multiple off‑leash encounters
Summary
Committee members reported several recent incidents of dogs off leash in open-space trails and discussed enforcing the township 'running at large' ordinance and posting or updating trail rules signage requiring leashes and no littering.
Committee members described multiple encounters in March where dogs were off leash on open-space trails, prompting calls for clearer signage and enforcement.
A committee member recounted four incidents in which dogs off leash approached or charged her dog while she and her spouse were walking on Township trails; another described a dog running after deer. Members said the township has an ordinance that prohibits animals from “running at large” and cited that language while urging staff to post trail rules that include leash requirements and other basic trail regulations (hours, no littering).
Committee direction and clarifications - The committee asked staff to assemble a definitive list of trail rules to post at trailheads (examples discussed included “dogs on leash,” “trail use dawn to dusk,” and “no littering”) and to coordinate with township administration (Derek, the staff contact named in the meeting) to have signs installed. - Members stressed that the committee wants educational outreach rather than immediate enforcement-driven community complaints but noted the township ordinance exists and could be enforced by township authorities if incidents continue.
No fines or enforcement changes were adopted at the meeting; the committee requested that staff return with draft signage language and an implementation plan.
