Leash rules protect wildlife

To the editor,

Migratory birds are much more common at Willard Beach when off-leash dogs are not there. Mergansers, buffleheads, and goldeneyes come in among the rocks at the north end of the beach, and brants visit the shallows at the south end during their migration to Canada.

The difference is especially obvious after May 1, and before 7 a.m., when egrets and herons feed at the shoreline, and plovers and sandpipers are seen on the sand.

What happens when the dogs are present on the beach, but are controlled on leashes? The leash rules were put into effect to protect walkers, runners, elderly and small children. Do the leash rules protect wildlife also?

Yes, they do.

This winter I have seen migratory sea birds, birds that are protected by federal law, walk up on the beach or swim in the shallows while walkers, runners and dogs on leashes pass nearby.

John R. Pani

South Portland