OLR Report 2014-R-0133 answers the questions: Which state parks, shoreline state parks, and municipal beaches allow dogs? How many dogs are licensed in Milford?
According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) website, 106 of 107 state parks (and all 32 state forests) allow dogs that are on a leash. But, dogs are not allowed in buildings, swimming areas, or state park campgrounds. In addition, dogs are not allowed (1) in some state parks during certain times of the year or (2) at any time in Dinosaur State Park.
Among the eight shoreline state parks, seven allow dogs year-round, but four restrict them to certain areas (e.g., picnic areas or hiking trails). One, Sherwood Island, allows dogs only during off-season months. (For related information about pets in state parks, see OLR Research Report 2010-R-0435.)
Among the 24 shoreline municipalities with municipal beaches, only one allows dogs on its beach year-round (Esker Point Beach in Groton). Eleven prohibit dogs entirely, nine allow dogs during certain times of the year, and three allow them during any time of the year in specified areas (e.g., boardwalks, parking lots, nature trails, or grass). The Department of Public Health’s regulations require municipalities and other entities (except the state) operating or maintaining a public swimming area to prohibit domestic animals from being in the water or on the immediate shoreline when the swimming area is open for use (Conn. Agencies Regs. 19a-36-B61, effective March 17, 2014).
State law generally requires each person who owns or keeps a dog to license it annually by June 30 in the town clerk’s office (CGS § 22-338). According to the Milford town clerk, there are 2,165 dogs licensed in Milford for FY 2014.
For more information, read the full report.
