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Letter to the Editor:
No Dogs Allowed
Concern developed, within a sizable portion of Beverly's population, due to the attitude of the Beverly Parks and Recreation department toward recreational dog owners. This concern was triggered by the installation of "No Dogs Allowed" signs at many parks throughout the city this year. What is troubling is that dog owner recreation has been in practice in this country since before the Declaration of Independence. Yet little has been done in Beverly to support this wholesome activity currently practiced by more than 20% of our population representing all age groups. Compared with the many other forms of recreation supported by the city, Dog Owner Recreation appears to be a major oversight and is being squeezed out.
In 1973, Beverly introduced an animal ordinance that prohibited dogs from our parks from Memorial Day to Labor day between the hours of 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Eighteen years later, in 1991, a Parks and Recreation ordinance was introduced excluding dogs from our parks entirely during the summer months from Memorial day to Labor Day. Though the latter was not enforced, both of these conflicting ordinances are still in effect. In 1992, under the animal ordinances, a "leash law" was introduced, further restricting dogs, this time to a leash at all times they are in Beverly and not on private property with permission. This year, in 2002, further restrictions were introduced and signs posted in many of our parks indicating, "No Dogs Allowed", apparently for the entire year.
These restrictions, unbeknownst to many dog owners, have developed to the point of excluding Dog Owner Recreation from our parks and consequently the city entirely. This all weather form of recreation requires space and is desired once or twice every day within walking distance of the local neighborhood.
Many of the homes in the City of Beverly have small lots, insufficient to support many forms of recreation in Beverly such as such as Golf, Basketball, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, Football, Track, Skate Park, Beaches, Playground Equipment areas, Walking trails, Scenic Views, Bandstands, Gardens, and other current and future recreational activities. However, the City of Beverly has provided support at significant expense for these activities, mostly under the direction of the Parks and Recreation department. However, dog owner recreation has been overlooked or discouraged, even though it is likely the oldest of all recreational activity and is practiced by one of the largest groups of people in the city. There are over 3,000 families that register dogs in Beverly.
The requirements for Dog Owner Recreation are modest, flexible and the required space can be shared with other forms of recreation. It does not require special field layout or equipment. It simply requires space for the dog to run and interact with other canines and their owners in a safe clean environment within walking distance of their home. Trash containers and their service are of course a welcome convenience for disposing of any dog waste that occurs. These containers are usually available in our parks to control trash that occurs for all activities. It goes with out saying that every responsible dog owner will pick up after the dog and dispose of the waste properly. Nobody, including dog owners, want waste of this kind in our recreational areas anymore than broken glass, trash, graffiti or vandalism.
Dog ownership is growing. Note the increases in dog licenses, pet superstores and pet sections in grocery stores that have grown tremendously in the past few years. The number of Veterinarians has increased and are still in short supply. This increase is because dog owner recreation is a pleasure. It is repeatedly documented that people of all ages with dogs enjoy a better quality of life and live longer. It teaches children responsibility, the life cycle, caring for and receiving benefits from other forms of life. Nursing homes recognize the benefit from dog visits. It decreases depression, for no matter how bad a day you have had, your dog is glad to see you, makes you laugh and encourages you to go out and play and meet with other people and their dogs for a very satisfying social and recreational experience.
Under the current ordinances and signage, dog owners in Beverly are being squeezed out of places to socialize with their friends and other dogs in a space sufficient to run and play in proximity to the local neighborhood. This occurred because the minimum special requirements for dog owner recreation have been taken for granted and overlooked. I appeal to the City of Beverly, to correct this oversight and provide accommodation for dog owner recreational activity as is provided for so many other forms of recreation enjoyed by our citizens.
Ed Walsh - Beverly MA
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