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Committee weighs leash rules, signage and enforcement for Tucker Mountain trails
Summary
Committee members and public attendees debated whether the Tucker Mountain town‑forest dog ordinance should require leashing or rely on owner control and enforcement; participants suggested clearer signage, a committee ID for volunteers, and a public-friendly summary of the ordinance.
Tom Kidder, chair of the Tucker Management Committee, opened a focused public review of proposed town‑forest ordinances, drawing sustained discussion over dog control and trail etiquette. Denise Fontaine described a recent aggressive-dog encounter, and Cindy Merril said she worries about loose dogs when she is with her grandchild. The committee discussed balancing allowances for well‑behaved off‑leash dogs with safety for people and wildlife. Catherine Kidder suggested the committee adopt visible identification so members can "have some authority when speaking to people about their dogs."
Participants debated regulatory approaches and signage. Tony O’Mara urged the committee to look at the Newbury town dog ordinance as a comparison, noting that it "focuses on licensing, neglected dogs, and enforcement rather than leashing requirements." Several attendees recommended friendly trail signs with guidance such as "carry a leash" or "leash dogs when meeting others," while keeping formal ordinance text enforceable. The committee agreed to review leash‑control language, consider visible committee identification, and craft a condensed public version of the ordinance with clearer trail signage.
