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Recent Opinion & Letters Out with the new, in with the old Dog regs are much needed Just give her peace Safety Corner: Plan your own fire escape Letter: Will regs ruin Mt. Misery?

Letter: Public input is necessary
Thursday, March 31, 2005

As a tax -paying resident of Lincoln, I appreciate and use Lincoln's public land.
     I have dog. I don't live on a trail system. One of the beautiful places I walk, that has public parking, is Mt. Misery.
     I daily drive to Mt. Misery at a time where there are usually 4-6 other cars in the lot. Sometimes I walk with another person-dog pair. We enjoy the camaraderie.
     At Mt. Misery my dog and I enjoy a hike without being tethered to each other, though she is always close by. She is safe and away from main roads. She is also safe because when we come across other dogs there, they are good to her and to me. This is a good and wonderful use of public land.
     When I walk with my dog anywhere in Lincoln, I know that I am restricted by Section 13 of our General Bylaws entitled: "Dog Regulations." Article 13 says, "all citizens are entitled to fully enjoy their property and the public ways and lands. Those citizens who own or keep animals are entitled to enjoy their animals, but only to the extent that they exercise responsibility so that their animals do not unreasonably impinge upon the activities of other persons."
     The bylaw goes on to describe the need to have dogs under voice restraint, penalties and consequences for not abiding by the bylaw, and who can enforce the bylaw (currently the selectmen or the dog officer).
     The dog regulation bylaw was established by Lincoln residents at a past Town Meeting. Shouldn't the citizens of Lincoln, through an advertised public hearing and Town Meeting process be able to vote on whether they want dog regulations changed. Shouldn't we be able to vote on any new restrictions for use of our public land?
     Can and will the Conservation Commission, who recently announced a leash law at Mt. Misery, next impose restrictions on use at Flint's Field or the trail near you - without your input or vote?
     Those with the power to influence in Lincoln, please encourage the Conservation Commission to take a step back. Just as wetlands restrictions require amending the bylaw, suggest to the commission that any new restrictions on walking our dogs at Mt. Misery, or on any public land, be approached with an attempt to amend the bylaws. Then we all get a voice.

     

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