Signs posted around the pond in South Portland’s Hinckley Park warn of algae that could be toxic to pets. Photo courtesy of South Portland Parks and Recreation Department

SOUTH PORTLAND — Concerns about unleashed dogs, dog waste and invasive species at Hinckley Park has prompted the South Portland City Council to consider action.

An Aug. 4 city council workshop is planned for discussion of a possible designated city dog park and other Hinckley Park issues, but the council is considering a temporary leash requirement at the park that would expire in September.

City staff, residents and councilors discussed what they have noticed about unleashed dogs and their owners’ behaviors on May 4.

Kristina Ertzner, park ranger, said there has been a recent spike in complaints about dogs, noting that factors due to COVID-19 could be contributing to this. For example, training classes are not readily available during the pandemic.

Most dog owners do follow the rules, with a small percentage causing problems, said Parks and Recreations Deputy Director Karl Coughlin. Some concerns staff face with Hinckley Park are dog owners, invasive vegetation, a reputation of Hinckley as a “dog park,” parking and staffing limitations.

South Portland Deputy Police Chief Amy Berry said there was a recent incident where two loose dogs killed a housecat that was wandering in the park.

“What we’re seeing is that the problem is when the dog owners think their animal is under voice control, and the reality is that dogs can be distracted and certainly not under control to the extent the owner believes they are,” Berry said. “That’s what causes a lot of the discussion and concern with people who are trying to use the park and even Willard Beach for that matter or other places in the city.”

Councilors said they agree with the need for action or solutions.

A temporary leash requirement may be necessary until the council can find a permanent solution, said Councilor Kate Lewis.

“What I’m hearing is we need the take the next step here,” she said.

Councilor Jocelyn Leighton said she would be in favor of a compromise rather than a leash law due to quality-of-life reasons.

Creating a dog park is a potential solution, said Councilor April Caricchio.

“I think we need to be proactive and aggressively look for a dog park …,” she said.

A dog park is something that Councilor Katelyn Bruzgo said she favors as well. She added that leash laws wouldn’t change pet owners from not picking up waste, proposing signage that could persuade people into cleaning up after their dogs.

“Even if we have an on-leash requirement, people are still not going to pick up their dog waste,” she said.

A compromise is going to be necessary, said City Manager Scott Morelli.

“Certainly, dogs need to get out and exercise, but also that can’t come at the expense of children and other folks who want to visit these parks safely,” Morelli said.

An initial vote on a temporary leash requirement that, if passed, will go into effect June 9, took place on May 11. A final council vote is tentatively scheduled for May 25.

Members of the public discussed issues they have had with dogs in Hinckley Park as well as other public parks.

Resident Mary Ann Brown said she has noticed dogs are coming off of Willard Beach unleashed, which is against the city’s policy.

“If we cannot enforce the rules or get folks to follow the rules, is it time to really talk about a real dog park?” Brown said.

Dogs need to run and exercise, said Willard-beach user and dog-owner Colby Nathan.

“There just has to be some alternative,” Nathan said.