Ridgefield officials have approved a leash law.  Residents will soon be able to weigh in on whether people walking with their dogs in downtown should have to keep the animal on a leash.  The text of the ordinance was adopted by the Board of Selectmen at their meeting last week.  The town's attorney will review the language and then it can be brought before a public hearing or town meeting. 

First Selectman Rudy Marconi says they're considering a formal leash law due to an increased presence of dogs on Main Street.  An exception would only be granted to Ridgefield Police Department’s K-9 unit.   Parks and Recreation and the Conservation Commission already have dog-leash regulations for parks and open-space. 

A leash ordinance could accompany Ridgefield's dog waste ordinance, which requires individuals to clean up after their dogs on public or town-owned properties.  

Marconi says people who walk their dogs on a leash have raised concerns about those that walk their dogs without one.  Nothing has happened in recent years, but they are trying to be proactive rather than reactive. Selectwoman Maureen Kozlark says most people she’s spoken with think Ridgefield already has a leash law in place.