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Council sets Jan. 26 hearing on Valhalla dog restrictions after staff complaint about waste
Summary
The ordinance committee recommended banning dogs from Valhalla Golf Course March–December (with seasonal exceptions); staff cited a county survey that found 236 instances of dog waste after snowmelt. The council set a public hearing for Jan. 26 amid public concerns about enforcement.
The Town Council voted Jan. 12 to set a public hearing on Jan. 26 to consider amendments to chapter 17 (animal control) that would restrict dogs at Valhalla Golf Course for much of the year.
Councilor Thorson said the ordinance committee’s proposal responds to repeated maintenance problems reported by Valhalla staff. "This ordinance's goal is to eliminate the poop issue," Thorson told the council, citing a 2023 survey by the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District that the committee said recorded 236 dog-dropping incidents after the snow melted.
At public comment, longtime user Doug Brown said he walks the area regularly and warned enforcement would be difficult and that many owners do clean up after pets. "How are you gonna police it?" Brown asked, urging the committee to consult frequent users before broad restrictions are adopted.
Supporters said the change is intended to protect course maintenance, public safety and users who prefer a dog-free course during the golfing season. Staff confirmed the proposal came from Valhalla grounds staff and noted that public input will be received at the Jan. 26 hearing.
