We in Cape are so thankful that South Portland chose dogs over people. Now there is less fear of a movement to start an ordinance here. Thanks.

I don’t think its fair, GrassRoots, to suggest that the rules for dogs are the same at Portland Head Light as they are for Willard Beach. Except for an undeveloped portion of the Fort Williams Park, dogs in Fort Williams Park are required to be on leash at all times. Here’s the Cape ordinance:

CHAPTER 7 DOGS Article I. Dog Control.  Sec. 7-1-7 Dogs to be Restrained on Municipal Property. Any dog within the boundaries of a groomed and/or regularly maintained municipal property including, but not limited to, Fort Williams Park, public roads, municipal sidewalks and athletic fields, will be walked on a leash or tether at all times. The person accompanying the dog in these situations is required to collect any feces dropped by the animal and dispose of same in an area where it will not likely be encountered by any persons. A 20+- acre portion of Fort Williams Park Southerly of Humphreys Road (the road fronting the Parks Maintenance Building) and extending along a line to the rear of the long garages at the rear of Officers Row buildings, (but excluding the fields immediately south of Portland Head Light and in front of Battery Blair) are not considered to be groomed and/or regularly maintained forpurposes of this ordinance.

Congratulations to SOPO DOG and the other supporters of the existing ordinance.  It was a hard-fought campaign, which (by and large) was conducted honorably on both sides.  With such a large, even record-breaking, turnout, it is clear that this vote represents the will of the people.

With the basic priciple of dog access to the Beach established, we still need to be sure that the rules are consistently enforced, and that the all users of the Beach respect each other.  This campaign has sensitized me very much to the issues that people have with dogs, and has made be a more conscientious pet-owner.  We also need to make sure that the cleanliness of the Beach is maintained (and improved!) for everyone’s benefit.

CE Resident,
dogs are permitted at the beaches in Scarborough except for the State Parks in the summer, but they are allowed at the State Parks in the winter. Even horses are permitted in Scarborough. Dogs are also permitted at Portland Head Light in Cape. All of those places are shared with dogs and other animals as well. They have not closed them, South Portland has not closed their beach.

Now let’s move on and not deal with the Willard Beach issue anymore, deal with irresponsible dog owners as the need arises (just as we do for anyone who breaks the rules, like irresponsible drivers) and work on issues if they come up. I agree with many people who have posted there are BIGGER ISSUES THE CITY NEEDS TO DEAL WITH. We DO NOT need to keep focusing on this unnecessary distraction.

Can residents please let council focus on bigger problems and stop getting distracted by these incessant complaints? The police have not found them to be founded or serious so let’s get along and get on with the real world.

It is what it is, it’s too bad you see part of our city as gross and disgusting. That’s really sad. When I find used condoms, needles and tampon applicators on the beach I tend to think the same thing, but people still go there so it must be acceptable to some people.

And Beach Lover, maybe someday the southportlander will be more of a place for people to voice their ideas rather than make negative comments. That would be nice to see.

Now about our crumbling school…...

I for one am happy that Willard is confirmed a dog beach where WE can take our dogs. My only wish is that the summer hours get expanded since it doesn’t allow me alot of time after travel to get to work in Portland in the morning. Fortunately my workplace allows dogs and this is a luxury we look forward to 3 mornings a week.Since Sopodog has the momentum, why not push for more hours ? I and my friends would appreciate it. Thank you again, Dogs Rule !!!!!

CE resident….......
  Your ignorance is shewing. The hundreds of beach goers, without dogs, this last summer refute your inane assertions.
Why will there be more ? if it matters, the same people have been going for years. There is usually only more if there are more tourists, which I think would be welcomed by local merchants.

Anthony Young

With storm drain pipes running into the water,dog urine soaked sand and who knows what else, Willard beach is a dog park and people voted rightly so. If people want to go to the beach come to Cape or Scarboro.Now that the issue is cleared up and with all the publicity, I’m sure people with dogs will be pouring into Willard even more so. South Portland has gone to the dogs Woof ! Thank you sopodog !

Grass Roots,  Willard Beach is a gross and disgusting place.

I think it’s too bad that the save group was so negative in their campaign. It really made people think that Willard Beach is a gross and disgusting place which couldn’t be farther from the truth, but now that’s what people think.

Gary Crosby was very gracious in defeat, It’s too bad Crystal Goodrich could not be a gracious in victory.