Following several months of indecision, the Biddeford City Council voted 6-3 Tuesday to reject a proposed ordinance change that would require all dogs to be leashed while in Clifford Park.

The issue first came before the council in May, when the city’s Recreation Commission and Policy Committee recommended that all dogs should be leashed while in the public park, a densely wooded area that spans more than 100 acres and offers several walking trails.

Proponents of the ordinance pointed to the fact that certain parts of Clifford Park are home to a wide array of species that thrive in vernal pool habitats and could be threatened by free-ranging canines.

Opponents of the rule change stressed that dogs are better able to be properly exercised when they are not constrained by a leash. They also argued that Clifford Park is the only area in proximity to the city’s downtown area where dogs can enjoy roaming off leash and under “voice-command” of their owners.

The city’s one public dog park is located adjacent to Rotary Park in the western area of the city. Dogs are also allowed off leash at the city’s beaches except during summer months.

Several councilors said they wished that they had been presented with a possible compromise that would make the rules at Clifford Park the same as the rules at city beaches.

Several members of the public spoke against the rule change in May, and the City Council then voted to table the issue for further review and consideration. 

On June 6, opponents of requiring leashes were in a clear majority at the council’s meeting and they asked the council to vote down the possible rule change. The council once again tabled the item to allow the opportunity for a public hearing on the matter. 

A public hearing was held six weeks later in July, and again city councilors voted to table the discussion to allow the Conservation and Recreation Commissions to make a joint recommendation on the issue or state that a joint recommendation was not possible.

Members of both the Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission participated in a joint meeting in September to review the issue. Following that meeting, both commissions ultimately sent a recommendation to the Council in support of a rule change that would require dogs to be leashed in Clifford Park.

Councilor Marc Lessard was the most emphatic supporter of the rule change. On Tuesday, he repeated his support to require dogs be leashed in Clifford Park.

“I love dogs,” Lessard said. “But I do think we have to consider a lot more than just the dogs and their exercise options.”

Councilor Julian Schlaver said he was disappointed that the council was not given a recommendation that included some compromise. Councilor Bobby Mills pointed out that fewer than 20 members of the public commented on a public engagement portal created by the city.

Changing the current ordinance would create “confusion and chaos,” Mills said, noting that the city’s law enforcement resources are limited and police could potentially be regularly called to the park to check for violations or public complaints.

Councilors Lessard, Norman Belanger and William Emheiser were in the minority, voting in support of the rule change.

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.