Arlington Animal Control Warns: Keep Your Dogs Leashed

ARLINGTON, MA — Animal Control Officer Diane Welch issued a warning Wednesday after receiving "hundreds" of calls about people letting their dogs run free during off-leash hours. With the exception of the Thorndike Dog Park, which is closed due to the coronavirus shutdown, Arlington parks only allow dogs off-leash from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Welch said.

"I've received calls from parents that are upset that large dogs (and small dogs too) are just running right up to toddlers," Welch wrote on Facebook. "This is not cool. PLEASE be respectful of others. If it is after off leash hours put your dogs on leash."

Welch said she has also been getting complaints about people not picking up dog waste. She urged Arlington residents to "be considerate of others" and continue to follow the town's rules for pets during the public health crisis.