The Town of Montgomery is in the process of drafting a leash law to ensure the safety of its residents. The Montgomery Town Board has found that the running at large and other uncontrolled behavior of dogs has caused physical harm to people and damage to property.

Will Frank, attorney for the town, has been tasked with crafting the law. Currently, the only guidance on leashes in the town is in Local Law No. 3 of 2009, which regulates the use of town parks. The law states that no person shall have unleashed animals or pets on leashes in excess of 10 feet in length. The exception is for pets on the Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail. At that location, leashes will not be in excess of six feet. Owners are also prohibited from failing to promptly and properly dispose of their pets’ waste.

“It’s definitely not a specific leash law per se,” said Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher.

The town is aiming to create a leash law that is consistent with nearby communities while keeping the safety of its residents in mind. They plan to establish a law that requires dogs to be restrained anywhere that is off the owner’s premises.

Frank’s experience drafting town leash laws will play a big role in this process. The town board has also given him copies of leash laws from several communities, including the Town of Crawford.

Frank will submit a draft of the leash law at the town board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18.

The attorney for the town will be kept busy in the weeks ahead. Frank also has to draft a law regarding a moratorium on the construction of gas stations in the Town of Montgomery.

The idea for the moratorium came after several gas station employees in the town expressed concerns, as many gas stations continued to open up. After hearing their thoughts, the town board became equally concerned.

“We are certainly seeing a lot of gas stations pop up,” Maher said. “As we addressed it with warehouses previously, we’ll try to diversify our business community as much as humanly possible.”

Frank will work with local municipalities to draft a local law establishing a moratorium on gas stations. The town board will review the draft at their meeting on Thursday, Feb. 4.