Keene board rejects proposed leash-and-pooper-scooper local law; new hearing set for Feb. 25

The Town Board of Keene debated Local Law 1 of 2025, a proposed comprehensive dog-control ordinance that would update leash and pooper-scooper rules, but the measure failed on a roll-call vote at the Jan. 14 meeting. Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson and Council member Christopher Daly voted in favor of adoption while Council members Teresa Cheetham-Palen and Ann Hough voted no; the measure did not carry.

The discussion included concerns from residents about dog housing, euthanasia and enforcement. Town Counsel Bryan Liam Kennelly told the board that "the only thing that really changes is the leash part and pooperscooper part," emphasizing the draft's limited scope. Supervisor Wilson said the intent was to provide the Dog Control Officer additional recourse for public safety but asserted, "we are not giving ourselves authority to euthanizing dogs." Several members of the public urged the board to identify off-leash spaces and to clarify enforcement practices; Carter Gill said, "I think it hurts people if you do not let them enjoy the outdoors." After the vote failed, the board adopted a separate resolution to set a new public hearing on Feb. 25, 2025 so the law can be revised and reintroduced.