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Keene board hears mixed public reaction to proposed comprehensive dog‑control law
Summary
At a Feb. 18 public hearing, the Town of Keene board reviewed a DCO log and heard residents split between stronger enforcement and legal concerns over criminal penalties; the board took no vote and collected written comments.
Supervisor Joseph P. Wilson opened a public hearing at 5:32 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2025, at Town Hall to gather comments on a draft Local Law on Comprehensive Dog Control. Town Clerk Anna Whitney told the board she had provided a FOIL response and made available the Dog Control Officer’s (DCO) log, which includes entries dating back to June 2022. "This is the actually notes from the DCO from June 2022," Wilson said while explaining why the town is pursuing revisions.
Residents and council members discussed enforcement, leash rules and the draft’s penalties. Several residents, including Jeanie Cross, urged clearer off‑leash locations and stricter leash enforcement for safety; others, notably resident Noreen McCarthy, raised constitutional and enforcement concerns about criminal penalties and the role of private complainants. The board did not take a vote; the clerk noted written comments are on file and that a recording will be posted to the town website.
