BRATTLEBORO — RE: “No bull” [Counterpoint, July 18]:
In recent years, several letters to the editors of both local papers from readers in several states around the country have responded to news reports (and other letter writers) decrying irresponsible dog owners and calling for change in how we address dog-related problems in Brattleboro.
A central theme in these comments has been the need for dogs to be leashed at all times while in public spaces, and Jennifer Kozlowski also emphasizes this point again here.
Advocating for policy change over the years that would make this mandatory in town, I was informed by our town manager that the town “does not have a leash ordinance - the current ordinance allows dogs to be off leash if under control by the owner” and that this is “the norm in Vermont.”
If we are to protect both citizens and dogs, it might be time to change “the norm in Vermont,” or at least in Brattleboro.
It is time for the town to require that dogs be leashed while on public property, including our town streets, by developing policies and practicing enforcement based on existing and readily available knowledge, rather than simply quaint custom.