Re: “Anonymous photo leads to dog citation – and community howls” (Aug. 26, Page A1):

“Vigilante surveillance,” or perpetrator cast as victim?

The repeat offender’s side is all about moral outrage and angry online disinformation: A cellphone, not a long-lens camera was used, and the person who took the photo was walking on the Greenbelt Walkway above Willard Beach, not “hiding in the bushes,” as City Manager Scott Morelli told WMTW.

Barbara Everett openly defied rules and regulations on leashing and dog toys. Gone unheeded by Everett are numerous complaints by beach walkers and runners who support the prohibition on dog toys and balls. Beach goers have been knocked down and injured by dogs chasing balls. Dogs are also injured in fights over thrown balls. Some dog parks ban balls for this reason.

Everett also ignored a verbal warning by a park ranger. At the Aug. 16 City Council meeting, she publicly admitted to knowingly breaking the prohibition against balls (and throwing them – a prohibition that also applies to kids on the beach). The morning after her admission, she was photographed on Willard Beach with a tennis ball between her and her dog. No admission here, even though she was twice seen throwing the ball by the photographer.

Everett used legal arguments to again avoid accountability. Her citation was changed from a modest fine to a written warning. Perhaps if Everett had been cited for her first, or even second or third offense, all the online outrage and media drama she sought and provoked wouldn’t have happened.

Diane Gotelli
South Portland