Why Are Dogs Banned From Salisbury Parks?

Complaints from residents led to the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners' recent decision to strictly enforce the existing ban on dogs in township parks.

Commissioners announced last week that enforcement of laws, stating that dogs and other domestic animals are banned from all township parks, except for Franko Farm and Walking Purchase Park, will be strictly followed.

Township Manager Randy Soriano said commissioners are taking a hard-line stance on the ordinance after years of lax enforcement.

"The ordinance has been on the books for many years," Soriano said. "The police have taken a hands-off approach. The past practice has been very lenient. The commissioners have gotten many complaints from residents about dogs in the parks, and it's impacted some of playgrounds."

Soriano said the township wants to educate the public about the existing ordinance. The police department is producing signs to post at all parks, reminding residents of the dog ban.

"It should be no big news to anyone," Soriano said.

The only exceptions to the policy are:

• Dogs providing assistance to vision-impaired or otherwise physically disabled individuals who require the aid or assistance of a trained dog.

• Animals used in or participating in a township-sponsored/authorized recreation program.