Editor:

The Kennebunk Dog Advisory Committee would like to thank dog and horse owners for taking responsibility for their pets’ behavior and for picking up after their pets on the beach.

The committee exists to monitor the public beaches of Kennebunk in order to promote the responsible behavior of pet owners in the interest of keeping these areas clean, safe and accessible for the enjoyment of all.

Since its beginning in 2006, the committee has provided expectations for good beach etiquette; the dog picture “It’s the Law” signs purchased by each dog’s owner, and the “Welcome Dogs” brochure, contributed by the Animal Welfare Society have been friendly reminders to be responsible. The town of Kennebunk has provided additional waste containers at the beach entrances, used in the Beach Avenue area. In support of the Kennebunk Dog Advisory Committee, the animal control officer, community officers on bicycles and police are just a cell phone call away.

During two summer Saturday surveys, conducted by the committee, we realized just how many residents and visitors come to the beach especially during “dog time” hours to enjoy the dogs. The 2008 summer survey, as in the past, indicated that many visitors come to Kennebunk, are guests in summer lodgings and rent summer homes in town in part because of its dog-friendly summer beach policy. The Kennebunk Dog Advisory Committee members’ observations and experience has shown that, with responsible dog owners and reasonable oversight, everyone can profit from this policy. 

To keep the Kennebunk beaches an off-leash area for dogs and horses, we call your attention to the following beach ordinances:

Dogs are allowed on beaches: June 15 to the day after Labor Day – Before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The day after Labor Day to June 15 – all day

Dogs must be under voice control or on leashes. Owners must carry a leash at all times. Owners must pick up after dogs and horses. The fines are up to $250 failure to pick up after your animal. 

We ask dog owners to be sensitive to others on the beach, to have your leash ready when it’s high tide and the beach is crowded, when little children are playing, when another dog is walked on leash, when families are picnicking, when there are unsteady beach walkers and when horses are on the beach. We are proud of our beaches. Please help us keep them clean, safe and friendly for all who want to enjoy them.

If you wish to contact the Kennebunk Dog Advisory Committee, our email address is: dogadvisory@kennebunkmaine.us

Linda Lyman,

Chairman, KDAC