Watertown City Council to discuss proposed dog ban

Mayor Jeffrey E. Graham has asked that City Council members make up their minds this week on the proposed legislation that would ban dogs from city-owned property during special events, like the Watertown farmers market.

The subject is expected to come up during tonight’s council meeting. Council members had wanted to devote most of next month’s work session to the ban, but Mr. Graham said he believes the final draft of the legislation could be drawn up after council members discuss it today.

The law would prohibit dogs from public events such as the farmers market, the July 4 celebration at Thompson Park, the Jefferson County Fair and sporting events at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds. Dogs also would be prohibited within 20 feet of city pools and city playground equipment.

The council has been mulling over the idea of a dog ban since a 2-year-old was attacked by an American bulldog at the Watertown farmers market along Washington Street on Aug. 31.

“I think we should consider it one way or another,” the mayor said, adding that council members should be ready to vote on it later this month.

He figured that today was a good night to discuss it since the meeting has a light agenda.

Councilwoman Roxanne M. Burns first proposed the legislation.

Also on the agenda is further discussion of whether to take over Palmer Street as a city thoroughfare, a topic that has split the council in the past.