Once again, in the April 19 Leader, the specter of dogs running amuck has been raised.

This time, it’s by no other than Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member Jane Storm, who declared, “North Beach is awful. It seems like nobody uses a leash there.”

Seemingly seconding the sentiment was board member Greg Graves, who cited the “incredible problem” of off-leash dogs at county parks.

Last year, after a woman and her husband went ballistic over our three unleashed little “terrorers,” who were sniffing contentedly on North Beach at a distance far removed from her path, I initiated a series of inquiries about leash laws. When the Port Townsend City Clerk referred me to the police department, I spoke to the officer who lives on my block. He informed me that he had never heard of leash laws on North Beach, and knew of no time that police had intervened.

Thus did I learn that while both Fort Worden beach, which is a state park, and little North Beach Park at the end of Kuhn Street require leashes, North Beach does not.

It is my hope that the status quo remains. Yes, there are problems with dog owners who do not clean up after their pets, and the irresponsible few who bring vicious dogs to public spaces. But most of the issues I’ve witnessed are between leashed dogs, who by nature act defensively, and unleashed dogs. Oh, and from humans who unleash unjustified trails of invective on responsible dog owners.

Perhaps it is time for some dog lovers to volunteer for the Parks & Rec Advisory Board.

JASON VICTOR SERINUS

Port Townsend