If you’re one of those people who has been sneaking their dog into a park on Long Island, despite the law that forbids it, you may soon be able to go straight.
Long Island officials are backing new legislation that would allow dogs to visit state parks and beaches.
The bill, currently moving through the state senate and assembly, would allow dogs access to all New York state parks, including beaches, except for Adirondack and Catskill parks.
State Senator Monica Martinez (D — Bay Shore) said that passing legislation to allow dogs in state parks is a long-delayed action.
“New York is overdue in allowing our companion animals at our state parks,” Martinez said in a statement to Patch.
The bill would require the NYS Parks’ commissioner to establish rules and regulations which would best accommodate specific park’s conditions.
The commissioner may also restrict certain areas of the parks and beaches for the protection of park goers, natural landscape and endangered birds or nesting.
“I look forward to the legislative process as this bill will make New York more inclusive,” Martinez said.
State Assemblyman Steve Stern (D — Melville) is co-sponsoring the legislation.
“As a Long Islander, I know well that our beautiful world class beaches and parks are an important part of how we enjoy our community,” Stern said. “Our pets are part of the family and that’s why I am proud to sponsor this legislation that will allow our entire family, including our dogs, to visit our beaches and shoreline parks, and help enhance our quality of life.”
Not everyone is on board for this change, and some felt particularly strongly about such a proposal. Mixing animals and children in parks carries some risks.
Toxoplasmosis – an infection carried in cats’ and dogs’ feces, is a primary one. Having your toddler play where dogs have dropped their poop is not an altogether attractive thought. Nor is it sanitary.
Another concern is that the risk of dog bites and dog attacks is too great to allow dogs to be off lead around other park users, especially children.
“If all pet owners were responsible people and kept aggressive animals under control and cleaned up after their pets it would be fine. They won’t. Wait until some child is bitten by a pit bull at Jones Beach. Stepping in poo barefoot is the least of it.”
If this person lives on Long Island, and Martinez’s bill is approved, he may soon be very disappointed.
