When I get email from Michele Biscoe of the Somerville Dog Owners Group, I know something major is going on. And it usually has to do with fighting for the rights of dog owners like you and me. (By the way: Boston Dog Owners Group meeting this Monday)
She informed me that in April, a little place called Manchester-by-the-Sea has a vote on the ballot that could end the town’s semi-dog-friendly status. She (and DogBoston) wants to make sure you let people you know (who live in the area) to show up and vote. It looks like this is going to be a very close one… as the person who put the anti-dog vote on the ballot had to collect a minimum number of signatures.
So, Dog Friendly Residents of Manchester-by-the-Sea:
On April 7th, there will be a vote to completely ban dogs from Singing Beach. Please show up to shut down this legislation before more anti-dog sentiment continues to spread through the state. Every day there is a small battle that further diminishes your right to walking your dog in “public” places. Let’s not lose the war.
Currently dogs are only allowed on Singing Beach in the off-season… dog loving residents are only asking to keep it this way. But these “anti-dog crusaders” are on the move, in their quest for a 100% animal-free lifestyle. What a sad and strange ’cause’ to be passionate about.
Here’s a personal plea (from Michele via YouTube) to not ban the family dog (and therefore her daughter) from Singing Beach.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Ann MacDonald // Feb 26, 2008 at 1:41 pm
It is my understanding that Singing Beach is a State Beach as it receives state aid; a public beach. Can it be a State Beach open to the public and aTown of Manchester beach also? Is it legal for Manchester to have the exclusive vote on the dog issue or any other issue regarding a State Beach? I just moved to Manchester a year ago October (2006). This horrible dog ban is outrageous. Ann MacDonald
2 Anne Springer // Apr 3, 2008 at 1:41 pm
As a trainer, I am saddened by any further advancement of dog un-friendly legislation. However, those who continue to want to bring their unleashed dogs to public places need to understand that not everyone wants their “oh, he’s friendly” dog running up to them, their children, or their dogs - whether they are leashed or unleashed. And, no one, my dog-loving self included, wants to step in what others may have decided to leave un-bagged and un-removed from the beach. People are their own worst enemies, my mom used to say. And, sadly, the responsible dog owners, who DO pick up after their dogs, and whose dogs really DO come when called (every time, not just when it suits them) are the ultimate losers in this. I don’t want them to close Singing Beach either. My dogs love it there. But, I can understand how these things come about. Maybe this situation will give people something to think about when they think that they are too busy to make time to go to dog training class.
3 Michele // Apr 8, 2008 at 10:10 am
I attended the Town Meeting in Manchester-by-the-Sea yesterday evening and am pleased to report that the Town voted to remain dog-friendly and continue to allow families to enjoy Singing Beach together with our dogs from October 1 to April 30!
I agree with Anne about the importance of being a responsible dog owner, and so do the rules at Singing Beach:
Dog owners must always clean up after their dog - No excuses!
Dog owners must maintain effective verbal control of their dogs and always be able to see their dogs when they are off-leash.
In addition to having well-behaved dogs and cleaning up after our dogs, dog owners can serve ourselves by becoming involved in the civic life of our communities: Be a responsible dog owner and be an advocate for the rights of responsible dog owners!
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