Meier raises issues with waste, proximity to schoolchildren
CAPE MAY — Despite objections and pleas to reconsider, City Council approved rules allowing leashed dogs on the new nature trails at Lafayette Street Park.
During the second reading of an ordinance regulating use of the trails, council discussed amending it to prohibit man’s best friend. The ordinance passed unanimously, but only after a robust conversation.
During a City Council meeting May 6, Councilman Shaine Meier said he had concerns about allowing dogs because of the fact language had to be included to remind owners to collect dog waste. He was also concerned about dogs being on the trails during school hours since the entrance is next to Cape May City Elementary school.
Meier added that dogs could upset the natural wildlife of the area.
The trails “go out to the wetlands and we have an ecosystem that is clearly precious to a lot of us,” Meier said. “I think having dogs out there encountering animals they aren’t used to, could cause them to go berserk.”
Meier added that a dog park is being built adjacent to the location, which will provide a dog-friendly location for pet owners.
“I think we have time to table this and have more input from the Board of Education, who were big champions of supporting this project,” Meier said. “There’s no bad dogs out there, just bad dog owners.”
Deputy Mayor Maureen McDade said there is not a lot of personal distance on the trails since they are only 6 feet wide.
“If you’re someone who might be intimidated by a dog, there’s no place for you to go or maneuver,” she said. “You’re either standing still and waiting for the dog to pass or hoping that everyone plays by the rules and acts accordingly. I’m not sure what the answer is, but I appreciate your concern.”
Councilman Steve Bodnar said it was a good issue to raise, noting that planning for the worst-case scenario and thinking of the children were things to consider.
Solicitor Chris Gillin-Schwartz said that making the change to prohibit dogs on the nature trails would require the ordinance to be republished and require an additional second reading.
Mayor Zack Mullock said his recommendation was to pass the ordinance since the opening is just a few weeks away. Then, ground rules and signs at the park’s entrance would be in place, and the ordinance could be updated in the future if needed.
Meier said another issue with dogs is enforcement, adding that it was already difficult for police to enforce the dog ban on the Washington Street Mall.
“One of my least-favorite topics is dogs on the mall,” Mullock said. “I hear from tourists that write [to] the mayor of Cape May about [their] dog in a stroller was kicked off the mall, or my dog on a leash who’s very well-behaved was kicked off the mall and I’’m never coming back to Cape May.”
Mullock added that dogs also are prohibited on the Promenade, which means people will want to find a place to walk their dogs away from traffic and bicycles.
“I think [it’s] a nice thing to say to people when they complain about their dog, and I do say this to people. ‘Cape May is over two and a half square miles and you can go with your dog just about everywhere except the Promenade and the mall,” Mullock said.
He added that he saw both sides of the argument and heard Meier’s concerns. The problem comes when one dog misbehaves.
“I think that’s something to address on an individual basis if you have a repeat offender,” Mullock said.
McDade said they would not be having conversations about issues with dogs on the mall and dogs on the promenade if they did not have people who were not respectful of the rules.
“I know that [it seems like] we’re punishing everyone for the behavior of the few,” she said. “But with children involved, I think that’s a really hard thing to see a large dog coming up to small children.”
Mullock said that council could revisit any changes to the ordinance allowing leashed dogs on the trails.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
