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Hillsdale approves $1,000 for animal-control patrols after off-leash complaints at Roe Jan Park
Summary
Facing increased complaints about off-leash dogs at Roe Jan Park, the Town Board authorized up to $1,000 from park funds to pay the animal control officer for extra patrol hours and approved signage and facility maintenance measures.
The Town Board discussed an incident at Roe Jan Park and emphasized that the park is a public space where free-speech rights apply. Councilmember Joanna Virello raised increasing complaints that dogs have been off leash and jumping on people.
Virello said she had discussed signage and enforcement with Copake officials, who enforce a leash law — fines there can be up to $250 and are paid to the Town of Copake. To increase on-site enforcement, the board approved Resolution 84-2025 to allocate up to $1,000 from Roe Jan Park funds to pay Animal Control Officer Kyle Miller for additional hours at the park. The vote was 4–0.
The board also approved spending up to $500 for 'No Parking' and dog-fine signs at the Hilltop Barn and up to $1,000 to replace missing pea gravel at that facility (Resolutions 85-2025 and 86-2025). These measures aim to address access, safety and park maintenance concerns.
What happens next: The animal control officer will be scheduled for additional patrols paid from park funds and staff will order signage and pea gravel as authorized.
