After nearly a year of haggling, the South Portland City Council tightened the leash on ill-mannered dogs at Willard Beach. The council also voted Monday night to expand the summer hours dog walkers can use the popular beach.

Councilors voted 6-0 to approve a sweeping set of amended regulations, which seem to be a compromise for dog walkers and some beachfront owners, who have made complaints about noise and health risks.

“This is a worthy effort, a worthy compromise,” said Councilor Thomas Coward, whose district includes Willard Beach.

The newly amended dog ordinance continues the city’s policy of letting pet owners walk their dogs off-leash on the beach during designated times.

But the biggest – and most controversial – change allows more time during summer months for owners to let their dogs run free on the beach.

Dogs now will be allowed on Willard Beach from 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. from May 1 to Sept. 30 and all day during the off-season months.

Previously, dogs were allowed only from 6-9 a.m. in the summer, but some neighbors complained about noise and disruption early in the morning.

While the vote grants dogs more time on the beach, new rules regulating their behavior are tightened. They include:

• Dog owners will now be required to carry leashes at all times.

• Dog owners will be required to demonstrate upon request to a police or enforcement officer that their dog is under voice command.

• Dog owners will be required to keep dogs at least 10 feet from beachgoers unless they signal that the animal is welcome to approach them.

The city will also impose fines on violators. First-time offenders may be fined $50, second-time offenders $100 and third (and subsequent offenders) $250.

The council has also asked for increased enforcement on the beach, especially during the summer months.

Although the new regulations are tougher than previous rules, some residents want dogs off the beach altogether in the summer. Resident Gary Crosby of Save Willard Beach has vowed to bring forth a citizens’ referendum to ban pets from the beach in the summer and have them leashed on the beach off-season.

Crosby must collect close to 1,000 signatures from voters for the question to appear on the ballot in November.

But the South Portland Dog Owners’ Group supports the City Council’s rule changes and has embarked on a campaign to educate the public about pet laws in the city.

Although the council unanimously passed the regulations, they didn’t escape controversy.

District 3 Councilor Jim Soule attempted to postpone the vote, because District 2 Councilor Patti Smith was absent. Soule mentioned he was concerned Smith’s absence would leave the council deadlocked. However, his motion was defeated.

District 4 Councilor Maxine Beecher, a strong opponent of allowing dogs on the beach, attempted to amend the rules to require that dogs be leashed during the 7-9 p.m. hours, a popular time for people to visit the beach in the summer for picnics and walks. However, no other councilor would second her motion, which died.

Despite the council vote, Crosby said he does not think the controversy is over. He said only a citywide vote will resolve the issue.

“This argument has gone on for too many years and needs to end,” he said. “I certainly hope we win, but as I said before, if not, I will not complain again. I believe in our system and am sure it will work out for the best.”