Save Willard Beach

Save Willard Beach is a group of residents from throughout South Portland that came together to ensure that the broader public interest—rather than a special interest–sets policy for use of Willard Beach In recent years Willard has become known as a regional dog beach.  We feel that:

--allowing dogs to walk on, urinate on and defecate on a public beach in the summer time is a health hazard to all citizens and especially the elderly, infirmed and our children and grandchildren

--allowing dogs to defecate on our only public beach is visually offensive and reflects poorly on the image of our City

--many people, especially young children, find it offensive and frightening to be barked at, jumped on, licked and sniffed at by dogs and those concerns are legitimate and they should be reflected in the rules and regulations of the City of South Portland..

--the rights of children are more important than the rights of dogs.

Our GOALS

To promote a city referendum that reads.

 Do you favor an ordinance to be enacted that reads as follows?

No person owning or in custody or control of any dog shall permit such dog to enter upon Willard Beach between the months of April 15 through October 15.. Dogs will be allowed on Willard Beach between October 16th and April 14th on leash under owners control during park hours.

This will be for the November election that way there are no added costs to the city. 

Some health and information links

http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2005/Toxocariasis/index2.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/dipylidium/factsht_dipylidium.htm#from_pet

University of Maine info on dog waste

CDC Heathy Pets info