Last week, the Village of Massapequa Park's Board of Trustees held a public meeting to discuss a new local law to restrict dogs to the property of the owner.

The proposed law, a revision to village code 116-1, was the second draft of a proposal to address the concerns of a local resident who complained that wandering canines were frightening their children. Mayor George Nussbaum explained that the complainant has several young children in the area where the owner of a vicious dog allowed the pet to roam free.

The local law was proposed for comment at the village's public meeting on Jan. 26. Village Attorney Robert Leff explained that the provisions of the proposed law would restrict owners from allowing their dogs to roam free without a leash, and that the dog be either behind a 42-inch fence or on a chain. The penalty under the proposed law called for a $250 fine or 30 days imprisonment for violations of the local law.

Village resident John O'Brien argued that the proposed law doesn't make provisions for invisible fences, or for small dogs where a 42-inch fence requirement might be excessive. Jerry Gallagher added that he commonly observes owners with pets that wander about the lake at Brady Park. "They walk up and down the park, nobody has a leash," said Gallagher.

Arlene Warner said that the law might seem like a good proposal, but suggested that the board grandfather in the fence requirements.

The board of trustees agreed to postpone any decision on the proposed local law, pending the drafting of a new version to address the concerns expressed at the public session.