PROPOSED DOG PARK ETIQUETTE RULES

As has been well reported in the Citizen in the past several months, the Bethel Planning Board is considering an application by the Town of Bethel to construct a dog park on town land located behind the Route 2 Shell station and to the south of the Bethel Pathway. The dog park would add to the Pathway park complex which currently includes, in addition to the pathway itself, Davis Park picnic and playground area, Bethel Skate Park, and the Androscoggin River boat access ramp.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Town Office to receive citizen input. In order to help those interested to better understand the operation of this proposed addition, I would like to introduce the proposed Dog Park Rules of Etiquette that are a part of the application.

Bethel Dog Park Etiquette:

No dog may be left unattended.

Dogs must be under the control of an adult at all times.

Handlers are responsible for dogs’ behavior.

No handler may bring more than 3 dogs at a time.

Dogs must be older than four months, vaccinated, and licensed.

No female dog in heat may enter the park.

Dogs must be on-leash until within the off-leash area.

All doors to the dog park and entry area must be closed after entering or exiting.

Any dog that becomes unruly must be leashed and removed from the park immediately.

No food – human or dog – of any kind is permitted in the park.

Handlers must always clean up after their dogs.

No children under age 7 are allowed in the off-leash area.

Parents must supervise children at all times.

Users of the dog park do so at their own risk.

The Town of Bethel, its officers/officials, employees, agents, and volunteers shall not be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the dog park.

Steve Wight

Newry

For Bethel Dog Park Committee