Where is the American Civil Liberties Union when you really need them? It is outrageous that the city of South Portland is endorsing the stopping of law-abiding citizens who are walking their dogs on Willard Beach and requiring them to demonstrate voice control of their pets. Next they’ll be scouring the beach for people of Hispanic origin and requiring them to produce a green card. Or maybe asking parents on the beach to demonstrate voice control of their children.
It was only a couple of years ago South Portland considered banning all non-residents from walking their dogs on Willard Beach. Enforcement of that would have required dog owners or walkers to produce ID for the animal control officer. What the City Council should do is tell the dog owners and Willard Beach property owners to find a way to coexist without extreme regulations. Or move.
Jay York
Portland
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