Please use the navigation menu at bottom the Page       

favicongohere

AMHERST STATE PARK

MenuGoHere

WELCOME       ARBORETUM        VETERANS MEMORIAL        HISTORY      PHOTO GALLERY        MASTER PLANS       CONTACT US      SITE MAP

                                                                                                                                                             St Mary of the Angels     Reist Mill     Historic Maps & Photos

 

History of Amherst State Park News Archives

WILD DOGS AREN'T ROAMING AROUND PARK

Buffalo News,   May 28, 2002  /  Viewpoints


        We are writing in response to the May 14 News article, "Issue of roaming dogs in state park stirs debate." The article did not accurately reflect the issue that was discussed at the Amherst Town Board meeting regarding the utilization of Amherst State Park on Mill Street in Williamsville.


       The article led people to believe that wild dogs are running around the park intimidating adults and attacking children. This could not be further from the truth.


       We have been to the park two or three times a week, at different times during the day, over the last year. Usually the dogs are more interested in each other than they are in people. We have never seen a dog aggressively approach a stranger. It may have happened, just like it could happen on any street in the town, but the article made it seem like dogs are terrorizing all visitors to the park.


       The majority of dog owners are very responsible and are sensitive to the other people enjoying the park. In fact, the town dog control officer and the Amherst police have not recorded a single incident of a dog bite in the park.


       The responsible dog owners at the meeting did not ask for the entire park to be designated as a no-leash area. They requested that a fenced-in area be designated as an off-leash space so it does not infringe on others in the park.


       Many other communities have installed fences that have not detracted from the natural beauty of their parks. Concerns about noise and liability have also been resolved in those communities. In fact, there are more than 40 "dog parks" in New York State already.


       The Town of Amherst clerk's office has record of 5,523 licensed dogs in the town for 2001. If there was a designated and fenced area in the park for dog owners to exercise their pets, I would expect it to be enjoyed by more town residents and be better utilized.


       If the purpose of the town and state purchasing and maintaining the park is for low-impact, passive enjoyment of this beautiful area, then this suggestion should be strongly considered. We think that a designated fenced-in area for the exercising of dogs fits in with this purpose. This park can be a real asset to the community if it is designed for the enjoyment of as many people as possible.


       ANDREW MACDONALD


       KIM MACDONALD


       Williamsville


Back to History News Archives pagehnews.html