Dogs are joyful constituents of Willard Beach day after day- even when it is 12 degrees outside and snowing. There are many beaches at which dogs are not allowed off leash, like Crescent Beach right down the street. To be sane and healthy, dogs need a place to run,play, and swim; dog owners are tax payers too. Just like people without children pay for schools, people without dogs need to allow for a few spaces dogs can become fit, healthy and well-socialized. What is next, banning kids in Cape Elizabeth from restaurants because people are annoyed by them? The SaveWillardBeach group has a “your little dog too, Toto” fanticism that worries me and seems very vengeful.

So port….........
I’m sorry, in reading your submission I did not understand that an answer about SoPo Dog was requested. It’s quite probable that some do exaggerate, but in the usual run of things it doesn’t make sense to. After all people with dogs are usually the basis for complaint. The only real complaint, that I have heard, by “dog people” of unwanted behaviour on the Beach is usually confined to allegations against one person. I have not encountered the actions alleged, although I’ve seen the person on the Beach quite often.
I believe the problem in finding a solution is that both sides feel that in giving ‘an inch’ a ‘mile’ will be taken. I must say that I have ideas on a solution, and a fellow blogger (pro dog ,so to speak) is very much in accord with me. My problem is I do not know who is “moderate” on the “other side of the dog spectrum”.
Anthony Young

Anthony Young,
That was a good answer and I think you are probably one of the moderates that could help us find the middle ground.  However I noticed you didn’t answer if you thought that SODOG is “prone to exaggerate their encounters” to spin the issue in their favor.  I just want this issue put to rest.  The City has real problems.  If there is a referendum “gun” to each sides head, maybe they can act like adults and play in the sand box together.  Pun intended.

So Port…........
There have been some examples for your assumption, some City councillors have said that they have received “many” and in one case “many,many” emails from people complaining about dogs. When asked to produce them it turned out to be only a handful. One ex-City councillor alleged that old people were being knocked down by dogs at the Beach, when the facts surfaced it was found that old people were fearful of being knocked down and nothing apparently had actually happened. Of course there is always Gary Crosby’s tales of life at the Beach !
One thing I can agree with you about is the notion of “radicals”........ if it wasn’t for them thoughtful people of moderation could have settled this problem long ago.
The problem I find with a referendum is that it will be decided, and I have stated this before, by people who do not use Willard Beach and in many cases do not even know where it is. This fact inevitably means people will vote according to their like or dislike of dogs, which, of course, has nothing to do with dog access to Willard Beach.
In much the same way the result will be influenced by the side with the best PR. PR being PR you do not always have to use facts.
Anthony Young

Anthony Young,
So am I to assume that you also think that citizens that are the other side of the dog spectrum are also “prone to exaggerate their encounters” with dogs and other owners to spin the situation in their favor?  Or is this something that only those people who dislike or are nervous around dogs are prone to do?  Both sides of this equation are radicals that want nothing more then the city to be off limits to dogs or one great big dog park.  Lets let the citizens decide in a referendum, put 4 options on the November ballet and lets get this device issue off the table.  LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.

No, So Port, you are wrong….....I have never said That there are not “bad” dogs or “bad” owners, but I do question the extent. In my view, as I have often stated, people who dislike or are nervous around dogs often, and I’m sure not always intentionally, are prone to exaggerate their encounters.
As you can see with “Whodat” he wants vigilantes on the Beach to catch the “criminal” dog owners. Does he want the same for people who litter profusely throughout the beach ? How about those who remove and reposition City signage on the Beach ? If it’s traffic offenses you are including, how about people who drive past children or old people who are standing in a pedestrian crossing or “jay walkers” ? Obviously he is not driven to have “public hangings” for these, just people with dogs.

Our own city major was there the same weekend.  i believe he is even allergic… what did he see first hand?  I saw him there.

Why should I have to pay for a dog park out of my taxes?

Anthony Young,
You must live in such a perfect black and white world as you seen to indicate that you have never seen a “bad bog” or bad dog owner.  I would love to live in your world.  Are you implying that everyone that has had a problem with a dog is either lying or delusional?

Carry a camera, take pictures ! Let them know the party is over. There are laws in place and they need to be respected. And Anthony it is black and white. If you don’t wear a seatbelt,drink and drive,speed apologies aren’t acceptable. There is a law in place, follow it. If you break it, you pay the consequences. Very simple.