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Community Corner

Leash Law Imposed in Menemsha After Complaints About Dogs

In other parts of Chilmark, dogs must only be under their owners' "immediate control." But in Menemsha, through Oct. 15, leashes are now mandatory.




Dogs in Menemsha may no longer go off-leash in public during the summer months: Chilmark selectmen recently voted to impose a seasonal leash law specifically for its picturesque and popular fishing port.

According to the new regulation, dogs must be leashed from June 1 through Oct. 15 in the following areas:

"Basin Road from North Road to Menemsha Beach, including the town park, wharves and docks. North Road from the intersection of Basin Road to its end at the intersection of Boathouse Road, Boathouse Road to the end of the West Dock, including all town owned property, wharves and docks."

Dogs are prohibited on all of the town's beaches year-round. 

In other parts of Chilmark, the town's "leash law" does not require actual leashes, stipulating only that "All dogs owned or kept within the limits of the town shall be restrained from running at large or shall be kept within the immediate control of their owners and keepers."

The town selectmen’s office had received complaints about "dogs being on beaches and in town not under control of their owners," according to meeting minutes.

Do you agree with the Chilmark dog laws? Should the leash requirement be expanded town-wide? Tell us in the comments.

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