Where is every one???

Higgins Beach at 8:15 this Morning.

 

Where are all the people that suppose to be using the beach??

 

On Wednesday, October 2, 2013 the Town Council of Scarborough, Maine passed an amended ordinance that restricts dogs on all of the town's public lands.  This new ordinance includes in the definition of public lands to be roadways, sidewalks, parks and beaches!  And this ordinance went into effect at 12:01am on October 3, 2013!!

 

Here is a quick out-line of the change in the ordinance:

·         Dogs must always be on a leash less than 8 feet long when on Town beaches – even in the winter.



 

 

·         Leashes are also always required on all Town streets, sidewalks, parks and fields – leaving no public space to exercise a dog.

 

 

·        The “summer season” during which dogs are banned from the beach entirely was extended by two months – it is now April 1st - September 15th.

 

 

 

·         Overnight, Scarborough became one of the most dog-restrictive towns in Maine with dramatic negative consequences for many Town residents, businesses and seasonal visitors.

 

 

So, you may ask: "what can I do to help?"

ü  SIGN OUR PETITION to authorize a special election to overturn the amended ordinance.

 

ü  Ask friends & neighbors to sign the petition.

 

ü  Learn more about the issue and how to sign a petition by visiting our Facebook Page at :

Dog Owners of Greater Scarborough, ME

 

ü  Watch for the exact date of the special election to overturn the amended ordinance!

 

Scarborough already had a thoughtful and well-reasoned beach access policy.  During the summer, it only allowed unleashed dogs under voice control on the beaches from 6-9am; after 5pm dogs were required to be on leashes.  This ordinance considered the needs of beach goers, surfers, fishermen, dog owners and threatened wildlife.  Please help us restore that common-sense access to Scarborough’s beautiful beaches!

 

 

E-mail us at scarboro.dogs@gmail.com