Politics & Government

Forks Considers Letting Dogs Out at Parks

Forks Township is drafting an ordinance that would allow dogs at Community Park and others.

Who let the dogs out? Well, Forks Township might.

Forks Township's solicitor is drafting an ordinance that would allow dogs in Community Park and other parks and on township bike paths as well.

Township Manager John Cornell said that a number of township residents have requested that their dogs be allowed.

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"We live in a dog culture," Cornell said. "Dogs shall be permitted within our parks and trails. They must be leashed at all times and won't be allowed to go into the grass."

Cornell said that dogs will not be allowed to roam freely on sports fields during events and that dog owners must control their pets and handle discarding their waste.

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Supervisor Dan Martyak suggested that signs be posted too that state that dogs are not allowed beyond certain points.

"I like signage limiting them," Police Chief Greg Dorney said. "I've seen them in several other parks."

"I think this is a good thing," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "Most people are very responsible."

Former Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas, who is running for election in November, wondered whether dogs should be prohibited during big events like Community Days and sports tournaments.

But Supervisor David Billings said that Community Days doesn't take up all of Community Park during that event so that dogs can venture to other spots.

The Board of Supervisors may vote on the ordinance at its June meeting.


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