FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 712-2221 or msheley@middletownri.com
DOGS IN MIDDLETOWN WEBPAGE NOW LIVE
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (APRIL 22, 2021) – Curious about where dogs are allowed year-round in Middletown or the town’s leash laws?
The town’s new website has you covered on all things canine across the community. Today, the town unveiled the latest addition to its new website at MiddletownRI.com – a page dedicated specifically to “Dogs In Middletown.”
Accessed at https://mdl.town/Dogs online, dog owners are invited to email in pictures of themselves with their pooch for potential posting on the new page in coming days. Those images can be sent directly to Dogs@MiddletownRI.com via email.
“Middletown dog owners now have a place to find information on everything from dog registration requirements to outdoor spaces they can take their dogs for fun,” said Melissa Welch, the local resident who spearheaded the “Dogs In Middletown” campaign and sister of Town Council Vice President Thomas P. Welch III.
“While there are a number of Middletown ordinances that apply to dogs, until now there was no central location to find those rules. The ‘Dogs In Middletown’ webpage makes it easy to find answers to the most common questions people ask about dogs, and even invites dog owners to share photos of their pets.”
Town Animal Control Officer Greg Gerjets said he was proud to be part of the effort.
“We welcome everyone to the ‘Dogs In Middletown’ page,” Gerjets said. “I hope you find this information helpful and informative. Please feel free to check back for further updates. I would also like to thank all the volunteers for making this page possible. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact dogs@middletownri.com through email.”
For as long as anyone can remember, the town has had rules on its books regarding pooches -- the dos and don’ts, where they’re allowed and other rules to make sure everything goes smoothly when it comes to canines. However, the new page gives residents and visitors an easy, centralized place to visit and learn more.
To find “Dogs in Middletown” on the town’s website at MiddletownRI.com, look under “Living and Visiting,” where the new page will be listed under both “Residents” and “Visitors.” The site will also be immediately accessible via a QR code posted on new signs and other locations to help make people more aware of the town’s dog rules and regulations.
Public Affairs Officer Matt Sheley reminded people the new dog page will not be static, but an evolving place where visitors can learn and see regular updates. Sheley said the same is true with all of MiddletownRI.com, whether it’s the sections dedicated to the “News Flash,” “COVID-19,” the “Community Calendar” or “Middletown Helps,” where people can file work requests in a matter of moments.
“Just like the rest of our new website, the goal is to help people get the information they’re looking for in a user-friendly manner,” Sheley said. “We understand that dogs are a huge, huge part of our community and we need to make sure people are aware of the rules, but also that we’re a pet friendly community for everyone to enjoy.”
Welch agreed, saying the more residents and visitors were aware of the town’s ordinances, the smoother everything will be.
“Middletown beaches are one of the most popular spots for dogs, but many dog owners are unaware of the rules that apply, including limited hours for dogs on the beach from May to September,” Welch said.
“This summer, new signs posted at Middletown beaches will specify the hours that dogs are allowed and will include a dedicated QR code linked directly to the ‘Dogs in Middletown’ webpage where dog owners can get more information, including ideas for other pet-friendly places to visit when the beach is off limits.
“The ‘Dogs in Middletown’ webpage aims to help both residents and visitors keep their dogs safe and happy while following the rules that make Middletown a great community for everyone to enjoy.”
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