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Chucker Beach resident urges town help after two dog-attack incidents; leash-law jurisdiction questioned
Summary
Resident Terrence McGrath told the commission he is concerned about two recent dog-attack incidents that injured people and pets; commissioners and staff said local leash rules apply to town-owned properties but enforcement below the high-tide line and on private shoreline parcels is limited and will need legal clarification.
During public comment, Terrence McGrath, a summer resident of Chucker Beach, described two recent incidents — one on May 31 and another the previous Wednesday — in which unleashed dogs injured people and other dogs. "We've had two serious incidents," McGrath said, and he asked the commission what guidance or assistance the town could provide given safety concerns for children and residents.
McGrath explained that the private association controls only certain beachfront parcels and 200 feet of beach near the clubhouse, while areas below the high-tide line are state property and therefore outside the association's enforcement. He asked whether the town could help clarify enforcement or provide additional signage and outreach.
Commissioners and Captain Joe M. Crawford responded that Old Saybrook's leash requirements apply to town-owned property (Harvey's Beach, Town Beach, parks and recreational facilities) but generally do not extend to private shoreline parcels or state-owned areas below the high-tide line. Chair Renee Shippy said the commission would check the legal details and advised residents to document incidents and contact police so officers could follow up.
The commission did not adopt any new ordinance at the meeting. Staff said they would research the applicable leash-law citations and return with clarified guidance at a future meeting so residents and private associations understand enforcement boundaries.
