Rochester Today – Leash Law Discussion Delayed

The Rochester City Council has postponed a planned the public hearing on possible changes to the city’s so-called leash law.

City Attorney Terry Adkins, appearing on Rochester Today with Tracy McCray and Andy Brownell Wednesday morning, indicated the hearing has been pushed back until at least mid-May.

Adkins says citizens have been asking the City Council to require that dogs be on a leash at all times in public places, and he was directed to draft an ordinance after receiving input from the Rochester Park Board. That entity took up the issue at a recent meeting, but tabled it after the members of the board decided they wanted more information.

While there appears to be support for a tougher leash requirement, officials are also concerned that an absolute mandate would place an undue restriction on pet owners seeking to exercise their dogs in areas of city parks where there are few people and the chances of someone encountering an unleashed dog is low.

The Park Board is scheduled to revisit the issue at its April meeting, and Adkins says depending on the outcome, the City Council public hearing might be scheduled on May 18th.