Tiverton council adopts dog-park rules and hours for Raymond F. Jones Memorial Park

The Tiverton Town Council approved an amendment to Chapter 10 (Animals) of the town code to add sections establishing rules and hours for the Raymond F. Jones Memorial dog park.

Councilor Camino asked several questions about provisions in the draft ordinance, including the age restriction and bans on pinch, choke and electronic collars and on bringing treats into the park. An animal-control liaison explained the six-month restriction reflects vaccination schedules: “I do know that the 6 month rule is because they're not fully vaccinated.” The liaison and Chief Costa said the treat prohibition aims to avoid fights when multiple dogs compete for food.

Councilors discussed adding an appeal process for owners banned from the park. The solicitor and staff said the committee and animal-control officer modeled the ordinance on other communities’ rules; the council approved the ordinance by voice vote and agreed it could return later to amend items such as appeals or electronic-collar language.

The ordinance sets rules, hours and enforcement mechanisms for the dog park. The council recorded the vote by voice with no opposition reported and directed staff to work with the dog-park committee on any follow-up amendments.