Select Board adopts fines for dog-leash violations on town property

The Harpswell Select Board adopted a revised enforcement schedule for dog-leash violations on town property at its June 18 meeting, implementing phase 1 of earlier ordinance changes approved by voters June 9.

Under the new schedule summarized by the town administrator and the animal control officer's recommendations, the board adopted the following approach: an initial incident will receive a verbal or written warning (no fine); a second offense will carry a $50 fine; and a third and subsequent offense will carry a $125 fine (the ordinance language allows the board to set amounts and enforcement steps). The board discussed that the town prefers voluntary compliance but that fines and, if unpaid, court summonses are a possible enforcement path.

Board members noted phase 2 of the ordinance work will consider broader changes (such as voice‑command provisions) and asked staff and the animal control officer to return with recommended language for those items. The board approved the proposed fine schedule by voice vote.