NEW Dog Laws (Effective June 28, 2022):

 

On Leash

Off Leash

Hinckley Park**

Yes - between 10am-3pm (required), year round

 

Yes - between 6am-10am & 3pm-9pm, year round

Willard Beach**

May 1-September 30: between 7am-9am & between 7pm-9pm

October 1-April 30: between 10am-3pm (required)

May 1-September 30: between 7am-9am & 8pm-9pm

October 1-April 30:
between 6am-10am & 3pm-9pm

Greenbelt Walkway,
Mill Creek Park**

Yes (required)

No

All other public parks in the City** (EXCEPT City athletic fields, fenced-in playgrounds, and school yards)

Yes - Year-round, between 6am-9pm

Yes - Year-round, between 6am-9pm

Public Streets, Parking Lots and Sidewalks in the City

Yes (required)

No

** Parks & Beaches are open between 6am-9pm.

  • For areas where dogs are allowed off leash, dogs must be under voice and sight control at all times and be within 50 feet of their owner or keeper.
  • If an owner or keeper has three or more dogs, at least one must be on a leash. If they have four or more dogs, all must be leashed.
  • Dogs must be leashed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Willard Beach from Oct. 1 through Apr. 30. Dogs prohibited during the other months, except from 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m.
  • Dogs must be leashed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hinckley Park year-round.
  • Dogs are prohibited on City athletic fields, fenced-in playgrounds, and school yards.
  • Dogs and owners/keepers shall not enter upon or cross over any City sand dunes.
  • Dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of dog waste.
  • If a dog jumps on, barks at, or acts aggressively toward people and/or other dogs, or does not consistently come immediately upon command, or chases wildlife, the dog shall be leashed when not on private premises.
  • The use of chuckit and other dog toys is prohibited at Willard Beach from May 1 through September 30. The use of chuckit and other dog toys is allowed at Willard Beach from October 1 through April 30, but only on the section of Willard Beach located between Beach Street and Fort Preble.  Rocks, stones, and sticks do not count as "dog toys". 

 Owners are responsible for their dogs and must pick up after their dog(s).

Reference: Chapter 3, City's Code of Ordinances & Ordinance #20-21/22, effective 6/28/22

For more information, contact the Parks Department at (207) 767-7670.

 

Click here for a copy of the Park Ranger's presentation to City Council on the Dog Ordinance Updates (August 16, 2022)