Marblehead Parks and Rec wants to leash in scofflaw dog owners

MARBLEHEAD – Dog owners may get a surprise next year with their dog licenses – and it?s designed to keep some surprises out of the town?s athletic fields.The Recreation and Parks Commission wants dog owners to keep their pets on a leash when they visit the town?s athletic fields.In order to promote that, they want to pair up with the Board of Health to enclose a flyer with each dog license as a reminder.They will also speak with Police Chief Robert Picariello, to encourage the dog officer to enforce the bylaw.Commission member Sam Ganglani brought the matter up at Tuesday?s meeting, noting that a number of owners allow their dogs to run free on the fields, violating a town bylaw. The town maintains a park off Tioga Way where dogs are allowed to run free. The violations occur mostly at Seaside Park and Gatchell?s Park.?I want the owners to realize that there?s damage to the fields and a possible health hazard, etc., to children,” Ganglani said.Commission Chairman Chip Osborne told his colleagues that dogs account for “15 percent of the wear-and-tear on those parks.”?It?s a public health issue,” he said. “People aren?t cleaning up after their dogs at Seaside.”Recreation and Parks Superintendent Brendan Egan told the commission he pointed out to a dog owner at Gathchell?s Park that he was violating the law and the owner appeared surprised.?He was standing in front of the sign that banned unleashed dogs,” Egan said.Ganglani offered to print the flyers at his office, and cover the cost of additional signs where needed. “I feel strongly about this,” he said.