Government

Town sets another public hearing on proposed leash law

KATHARINE SCHROEDER FILE PHOTO | The Southold Town Board has scheduled a public hearing July 30 to discuss a lease law proposal.

Southold Town officials said Tuesday they believe a compromise has been reached on the long awaited leash law.

During its regular session Tuesday, board members set a second public hearing to discuss the proposal for July 30 at 7:30 p.m. The proposed law now includes suggestions made from the public during previous town meetings, officials said.

The current policy prohibits dogs on town-owned beaches at all times. If the proposal becomes law, dogs will be banned from town-owned beaches between May 1 to October 1 from 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dogs will be allowed to run free on town beaches during the off-season, according to the proposal.

The new policy will still restrict dogs and other domestic animals from recreation areas, picnic areas, children’s play areas and athletic fields. While “no dogs are allowed” signs will remain in those areas, exemptions will be made for hunting and service dogs, officials said.

Once the new policy is in place, the board will work with its police department and bay constables to develop methods of enforcing the code, Town Supervisor Scott Russell said.

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