PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Portland city officials say they've been receiving a rising number of complaints about dogs in Baxter Woods Park, including reports of unleashed dogs frightening children and knocking people over.
Those complaints prompted a public meeting Wednesday night, where city officials met with dog owners and park users about Baxter Woods management.
"We want to make sure everyone, all the users, whether they be dog owners or school children learning about the forest, all have a great time," said Troy Moon, Portland's Environmental Programs and Open Space Manager.
He said his department does not want to impose leash rules in the park, but would rather pursue other ways of addressing the complaints.
Moon said the city plans to put up more signs about voice control and clean up, and could step up enforcement of the $250 fine for failure to clean up pet waste on city property.
Portland could also put a park ranger in Baxter Woods to promote education about pet control.
Currently, dogs may run freely in the park, as long as they are under voice control.
Some dog owners at the public meeting said complaints about dogs are exaggerated, and any further restrictions would be unjustified.
"I think people also have to respect that there are very few places in the city where dog owners can walk off leash, and we're part of the city too," said Jane Wellehan.
