Dog owners in Taneytown can walk their leashed dogs wherever they want - as long as they don't go for a stroll in three of the city's four public parks.
Under a new city ordinance, dogs are allowed only at Roberts Mill Park, the city's newest, on Route 194. There, owners must keep dogs on leashes and clean up after them.
The ordinance, which went into effect July 10, is something Taneytown has considered for years. It was prompted by the growing number of complaints about dog owners not cleaning up after their animals at parks, and police being at a disadvantage to enforce anything but leash violations.
"There are more kids at the parks, and unfortunately, some people are not responsible about cleaning up after their dogs," said Councilwoman Jacquelyn Boisvert.
The city stepped up animal-control efforts after an incident a few years ago at Taneytown Memorial Park, said Charles "Chip" Boyles, city manager.
"We had two large dogs get in a fight in the grandstand area," Boyles said. The dogs were on leashes, but it could have been a potentially dangerous situation, Boyles said, especially with children sitting nearby for a ball game.
Now, except for Roberts Mill Park, having a dog at the park is reason enough for a fine, which the council set at $50 for a first offense, and $100 for each repeat offense.
Taneytown's restrictions are the only ones of their kind in Carroll County, said Nicky Ratliff, executive director of Carroll County Humane Society. She doesn't approve.
"Dogs are allowed in Central Park and at Piney Run, they're just supposed to be on a leash," Ratliff said. "I understand their intent. I just can't understand banning dogs from the park. People need to be able to walk their pets."
"I think it's unfair," said Taneytown resident Marty Glass, who walks her two Rottweilers on leashes for 2 1/2 miles every evening around town. "If they allow you to walk a dog on a leash in town, why can't you walk a dog at the park?"
About 30,000 dogs are in Carroll County, only a third of which are licensed, according to the Humane Society.
Last year, 282 dog bites were reported, the county Health Department said.
All Carroll municipalities have adopted the county's animal control ordinance, enforced by the Humane Society, which requires dog owners to pick up after their animals and keep dogs under voice or leash control by a responsible person at all times. Local police enforce any additional town ordinances.
Last year, the county commissioners considered a proposal to create a fenced-in community area in Westminster, where dogs could play off-leash. Similar dog parks are in Greenbelt and Gaithersburg. The proposal has not been voted on.
"I have not lost hope that the county may find a location to be able to put in a dog park," said Ratliff. "We make parks available for all other reasons for county citizens to use: fishing, soccer, horseback riding, biking. This would be one more service for taxpayers."
Boyles said no one has complained to the city about the new dog policy.
Taneytown plans to open a park next summer, Boyles said. Dogs will be allowed there.
