By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — See Spot. 

See Spot dig a hole in the garden. See Spot dig a hole in left field. See Spot chase young children. 

Casco’s elected officials are prioritizing protecting the town’s resources and averting potential injuries when it comes to creating a Leashed Canine Ordinance.  

Recently, the topic of which town properties people might be allowed to have dogs — as long as the owners have them on a leash — was brought up. The grand opening of the Casco Community Park, formerly known as the Memorial Field, put the topic front and center. The desire is to keep dogs off the new sports field, which was just put in and have not yet been seasoned. The other concern is the safety of children if dogs were allowed to run loose at the park. 

The Casco Board of Selectmen discussed a proposed Leashed Canine Ordinance on Sept. 21. The idea is to get something on paper, hold a public hearing, and have it was a warrant article at special town meeting in January. 

Chairman Mary-Vienessa Fernandes said the weather during last weekend of summer offered the perfect opportunity for people to enjoy the Casco Community Park.

 “I was there this Saturday [Sept. 18]. It was packed. The parking spots were all taken. We had multiple children on the swings and on the playground equipment. There were a couple youngsters playing games on the field. I saw someone with a huge dog,” she said.

She expressed concern if the dog were loose with so many people in the vicinity.

“Also, the clean up — we don’t have the staff to clean up [dog poop]. I don’t think it is fair to our employees,” she said. 

This prompted a discussion about whether or not to try to get a dog poop bag dispenser. In other towns, the trashcans provided at various public spaces are filled up with garbage from people’s vehicles, a board member said.

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward brought up the subject of dogs on leashes. 

“There are concerns about them running on the field and being loose,” Ward said. 

He said he had talked to Casco Parks and Recreation Director Beth Latsey “to come up with a policy that all dogs have to be on leashes on town property, and to define where on the property” dogs will be allowed. 

“On the walking trails is fine. Having a domestic animal on the ballfield might be more problematic,” Ward said. 

Selectman Bob MacDonald said that nobody can guarantee their canine will behave. Having the pet leashed improves the odds. 

“Your dog might be the most gentle animal in the world, but something might trigger it and someone could get hurt,” he said. 

“Put a limit on the size [length] of the leash, not a 100-foot lead line. I would say 15-foot to control the dog. Even with a 20-foot leash, the dog can get out of control,” he said. “Most of the retractables are between 12 and 15 feet.” 

Selectman Scott Avery advocated for keeping the existing rule of no dogs, except for service dogs, at Casco Day Park. 

“Casco Days don’t allow dogs on the midway. When we do that [write the ordinance] how do we address that,” Avery said.

He added that he didn’t want a loophole in the ordinance that would allow people to bring dogs to Casco Days.  

“Knock on wood. There have been no issues with anyone getting bit. There has been issues with aggressivedogs fighting each other,” Avery said. 

Holly Hancock clarified, “Assistance dogs are allowed on the midway.” 

Someone started to make a motion, and the town manager said it wasn’t necessary. 

“I would recommend that the board not make a motion. It would be more beneficial to wait until our meeting in October,” Ward said.

The board meets again on Oct. 5.