Board agrees to place proposed dog prohibition at cemetery/fields on October warrant

Town staff presented a draft warrant article proposing to prohibit dogs at certain athletic fields, school properties and the cemetery (excluding service animals), citing repeated violations of the town's leash rule and maintenance burdens. The presenter said the current bylaw requires leashing but is not being followed at fields and cemeteries and that an absolute prohibition at those sensitive sites would be easier to enforce.

Board members expressed mixed views: some supported sending the proposed bylaw to voters for October town meeting, while others asked what enhanced enforcement of the existing leash rule would look like and warned that a complete prohibition could unfairly limit responsible owners. The board voted to add the article to the warrant so voters can decide. One member asked the Community Preservation Committee to be involved in review if the article advances.