Southold Town Board hosting leash law hearing
More than a year after it was first proposed, Southold Town officials believe they have reached a compromise on a long-awaited leash law policy.
Now it’s the public’s turn to weigh in.
Board members will hold another public hearing to discuss the proposal tonight. The new draft law 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 then 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 at all times. While “no dogs are allowed” signs will remain in those areas, exemptions will be made for hunting and service dogs, officials said.
The public hearing is tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.
