The Town of West Hartford is reminding residents of the need to keep dogs on leash as required by ordinance.

Submitted

Recently, the town was notified that a dog was off-leash at one of our parks. This act is prohibited and can put the pet owner, the dog, and the community at risk.

If you observe this happening, we urge you to call the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203. Our animal control officers and police officers will respond and enforce West Hartford’s leash ordinance. It states:

§128-3 (Parks & Recreation)

Prohibited Acts: Take any dog into any park or playground except on a leash not longer than six feet or permit any pet to go into any active play area, apparatus area, athletic field or recreation enclosure or building unless said pet is participating in a program sponsored by the Town.

The intent of the ordinance is to protect the health and safety of the public and to protect your pet.

In addition, there are many benefits of keeping your dog on a leash. Here are 10!

1. A leash prevents your dog from trespassing on the neighbor’s property during your walk. It also keeps your dog from jumping on people you encounter, ensuring that your dog has the chance of being properly introduced.
2. A well trained, leash-obedient dog is a pleasure to walk with.
3. Walking your pet on a leash will prevent the spread of disease. It is less likely that your dog will be exposed to Parvo or Distemper. A leashed dog can be restrained from sniffing the droppings of other animals.
4. A leash is commonly referred to as “Your Pet’s Lifeline,” protecting your pet from traffic and unrestrained animals. Accidents or animal bites are greatly reduced when responsible pet owners obey the leash law.
5. An obedient and well behaved dog is a positive reflection of its owner.
6. Relocating your dog into another household is easier if your dog is obedient and leash trained.
7. A leash is a great way to reward your dog. Your dog will immediately respond with a wagging tail the moment he or she sees you holding the leash.
8. It’s a great identification tool, symbolizing that the dog has an owner, and enabling someone who sees the leash and identification tag attached to the dog’s collar to find you if you and your pet should become separated.
9. Keeping your dog on a leash is a great relief to wildlife. It will keep your dog from chasing squirrels, deer, and other wildlife.
10. Lastly, it’s the law! The law is in place to protect the public and your pet from injury. 

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