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SafeTheFells
Current Page: SafeTheFells
Email Your Reps!
Why
Community Quotes
How To Help
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SafeTheFells
Current Page: SafeTheFells
Email Your Reps!
Why
Community Quotes
How To Help
Open Menu Close Menu

Current Page: SafeTheFells
Email Your Reps!
Why
Community Quotes

How To Help


SAFETHEFELLS

SafeTheFells is a community effort to make Middlesex fells safer for the entire
community. Currently the DCR is short-staffed on Rangers & the Rangers that do
patrol the Fells do not have the required training to enforce the laws & issue
citations. As a result recreating in the Fells has become at many times unsafe.



Our ask of the DCR is simple.

 1. Allocate budget for Rangers to patrol & enforce the rules within the fells.

 2. Use the newly formed Middlesex Fells Trust Fund to ask the community (A
    private grant has already been secured that we assume will cover all or most
    of the cost (TBD since the DCR has not responded) & communicated to Friend
    of the Fells if the DCR asks for assistance) for help in Ranger headcount &
    training.


WHY ARE WE STARTING WITH OFF-LEASH DOGS?

We are not against dogs in Middlesex Fells. We understand that many people enjoy
letting their dog explore the Fells. However, we support the current laws which
are off leash dogs are GREAT in Sheepfold Meadow (I mean how great - multiple
acres of off-leash dog fun!) but for the rest of the fells the following laws
must be abided by & enforced (From the DCR website).

 1. Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the designated area. (Sheepfold Meadow)

 2. Do not allow your dog, even if friendly, to approach other dogs or people,
    unless invited.

 3. Do not allow dogs to chase, harass or hunt wildlife.

 4. Clean up after your dog, and properly dispose of waste.



When these laws are not enforced & followed bad things happen.

 * People running & biking & recreating get bit (It is dogs nature to chase).

 * Those with shy or skittish dogs have a very hard time walking their dogs (on
   leash) when your off leash dog comes up to play &/or worse.

 * Your dogs go off trail & chase wildlife & disrupt the flora/fauna/ poop in
   the woods which has a negative impact on the ecology of the fells




HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Share your experience & tell your story.

We have set up a Google Survey to get input from those that use the fells. Fill
it out HERE. Survey results will be updated on this website every Friday. If you
leave a comment in the survey with your experience it will be posted in the
Community comment section below.


CONTACT OUR GOVERNMENT LEADERS!

Tell them that you support enforcement of the laws by the DCR in the fells.
Share your experience. Here is a snippet you can use:

> I am writing you today to let you know that as a user of Middlesex Fells I am
> unsatisfied with the job the DCR is currently doing. The DCR is not enforcing
> the laws, and as a result human & dog safety is at risk. Additionally there is
> negative measurable ecological & sustainability impact. I ask you to start
> enforcing the laws & to ensure that there are full time rangers with the
> required training to issue citations in the park.

Please CC: safethefells@abronsfoundation.org for tracking


CONTACTS:

DCR:

 * DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery: jim.montgomery@state.ma.us

Winchester & Stoneham:

 * Senator: Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov

 * Representative: Michael.Day@mahouse.gov

Medford:

 * Senator: Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov

 * Representative: Paul.Donato@mahouse.gov

Malden:

 * Senator: Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov

 * Representative: Paul.Donato@mahouse.gov

Melrose:

 * Senator: Senator: Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov

 * Representative: kate.lipper-garabedian@mahouse.gov


WHAT DOES THE COMMUNITY SAY?

 

“Aggressive off leash dog encounters every year I have visited the Fells
(2015-2021)”

“I had a particularly memorable encounter with an off-leash dog in the fells. I
was walking my protective/aggressive boxer on a short leash, and although the
off-leash dog was "friendly" according to it's owner, I did not want it to
approach my dog who would likely attack it. Well, the other dog came over, not
listening to its owner and sure enough a dog-fight ensued. I was furious because
although my dog was not the friendliest, I should still be able to walk him on a
short leash in a public space without fear of instigation from off-leash dogs.
Thank You.”

“My young children and I often encounter dogs off-leash who approach us
enthusiastically. And although we've never been aggressively bitten, I was
recently unable to keep an overzealous off-leash Irish setter from leaping all
over my son, who is, as a result, now afraid of all large dogs.”

“While hiking the East-West (Blue) trail an over friendly/zealous dog ran up to
me startling me causing me to trip and fall. I had lacerations and a twisted
ankle and had to hobble out of the trails to get home safely. The dog after
standing there wagging it's tail left and I never did see it's owner, but heard
them call from a distance.”

“I won’t come to the Fells with my dogs anymore because other owners are
irresponsible. I hardly come on my own because it’s off putting. Incidents have
happened every year since 2013. It’s unfortunate because it’s a beautiful place
but becoming a risk with more ignorant owners”

“Although I live footsteps away from the Fells, we no longer recreate there due
to the unleashed dogs. Over the years my two small rescue dogs have been
attacked too many times to count by large aggressive off-leash dogs-- and I'm
not talking about in the Sheepfold. When i took action to protect my leashed
dogs, of course I was the one at fault (in the eyes of the aggressive dogs'
owner(s) and this led to escalating confrontations. So, I just don't go there
anymore. And I used to be a Friend of the Fells and donate $$. I had a feeling
when they let Sheepfoild go lease-free, this would happen-- give them an inch
and they'll take a mile-- and I am very sorry to say, I was right. One of the
more egregious instances, I reported to a state trooper who happened to be in
the parking lot, and he couldn't have cared less.”

“In the winter of 2019 my husband and son were sledding in the woods by the soap
box derby hill when a dog ran over and bit my sons leg. Luckily he was wearing
snow pants so no skin was punctured. The dog tried to bite him again and the
owner wasn't nearby so my husband had to chase it away. Very scary situation for
a little kid.”

“My hand bitten, very bloody but not too deep. The owner was unconcerned ("he
had his shots") and rude. This past year again harassed by a dog, owner very
nasty when I politely asked that he call the dog away from me. Owner later came
back and apologized.”

“I reported an incident to the DCR. I never got a response”

“November 2020, two aggressive off leash dogs on a southern Fells trail that had
run into the trail from a nearby home”

“My dog and I were attacked by a 1/2 dozen off leash dogs in Crystal Springs. I
have been uncomfortable ever since and although I live within walking distance
to the Fells & Spot Pond I will drive to a Trustees location because the leash
requirements are followed. Dog walking centers are using the Fells to exercise
dogs off leash. Particularly bad up behind the old hospital near the covered
reservoir. I keep mine on a leash and he will top out around 170 when full
grown. I don’t want the headache of him feeling he has to protect me from a dog
running towards us.”

“Last spring/summer/fall there were a few instances of off leash dogs coming up
to my leash aggressive dog and provoking her, which was scary because my dog is
strong. We were almost in the middle of a dog fight.”

“I have been chased by off leash dogs while riding a bicycle. This has
unfortunately occurred on multiple occasions. Owners/walkers are often not
responsive to requests to leash their dogs.”

“This is a message I sent the Friends last November (11/3/20). I have had
additional experiences since then and have been avoiding the fells with my own
dogs because of it. "Hello - I am a lifelong resident of Medford and someone who
enjoys and appreciates what a great thing we have in the Fells. As of matter of
fact, I recently joined Friends of the Fells to help support this wonderful
resource. Unfortunately, this morning as I was walking my two dogs shortly after
9:00 am in the Lawrence Woods area (both on leash and under control), we were
accosted by a pack of dogs running loose. This is the second time it has
happened recently. Apparently, there are two individuals who take what appears
to be 10 or more animals into the Fells and allow them off leash. The two women
have no control over the dogs when they come charging after someone. They simply
call for the dogs to come back from a distance, which they ignore. Attached are
pictures of the incident. Out of frame was another individual with other dogs
who retreated down another path. These were the best shots I could manage as I
protected my own dogs. This is a sad situation that is likely to have dire
consequences for innocent animals (or people) due to the irresponsibility of a
small few. Most other dog owners I pass have their dogs leashed and under
control. I have also spoken with some who have had similar experiences as I
have. Could you answer two questions for me: 1) What is the official leash
policy for dogs in the Fells? 2) Because this area is in Medford, is the Medford
Police or the State Police the appropriate authority for reporting incidents?
Thank You For Your Attention “

“I was carrying a walking stick and the off leash dog near the Long Pond parking
area aggressively ran at me and would not respond to the owners commands. The
owner was less than apologetic.”

“In June 2021, there were 2 adults walking with 3 large and non-friendly
off-leash dogs on a trail. We had several small children with us. The owners
walked ahead and left us to navigate their dogs, who were barking at us. We had
to take the kids off the trail into the woods to avoid them. The dog owners
didn''t seem to care. We have seen a lot of dog owners be responsible, but the
few that are not responsible cause a major safety hazard, especially for kids.”

“Almost 5 full years of hiking within the Fells with my dogs without one issue.
Then an off leash dog attacked my little 10 lb dog and ended up with a couple
bite wounds that drew blood. The owner of the other dog could have cared less
and simply walked in the opposite direction. I followed this gentlemen and
certainly got very physical with him. Not going to get into the reasoning behind
my reactions other than that guy deserved it. You could tell that this has
happened to this guy and his dog before from how he just casually walked away
like it had nothing to do with him.”

“Off-leased dogs attack my leashed dog almost every time I walk or jog with him
in the Fells, multiple times per week since we moved here 2019-2021; dogs
occasionally lunge at me when I run alone as well but I have not been bitten”



“I contacted DCR after being bitten and they said that next time I should call
911 and that they do everything they can to enforce leash laws across the state
(clearly not the case)”



“I stopped going to the Fells even though we live right next to it. There are
off leash dogs running up to my little kids all the time; dogs twice the size of
the kids. The owner us nowhere in sight in most cases as the dogs run ahead. I
have heard several friends being attacked by dogs. Off leash dogs are a huge
problem. I have contacted the DCR about this several times and nothing is ever
done. The years we've encountered aggressive dogs are 2011-2020; basically ALL
the time”



“Off Leash aggressive dog encounters happens repeatedly, year after year. out of
control.”



“My husband was bitten by a dog the Spring before COVID (2019). He is a runner
and encounters aggressive off-leash dogs daily”



“We go into the Fells a couple times a month since 2019. We see dogs off leash
almost every time. My small child is very afraid of dogs and now is too scared
to hike there because of being chased by an off leash dog more than once. “



“In fall 2019, I was bitten on the calf by a small dog that was off leash. I
realized after the owner snatched up the dog and hurried off that I was bleeding
from several puncture wounds. In January 2021, I was backed off the trail by a
very large, unleashed dog that was snarling and lunging at me, as the owner
called to it. She did not apologize or attempt to explain why her very
aggressive dog was off leash and menacing strangers.”



“2020 and 2021- my dogs, on leash have been threatened by dogs off leash. I have
witnessed off leash dogs running up to other dogs and humans in an aggressive
matter. I have called local and state policy to complain.”



“Whenever I bring my dog to the fells, who is in training and nervous around
dogs she doesn’t know, I have had many off leash dogs charge at my dog and try
to nip at her, growling and acting aggressive and dominant. This happens every
time we go to the fells, each year multiple times.”



“Dog jumped at me while I was running. Idiotic dog owner could not control his
dog.”



“Fortunately I have never been bitten but I have had several close calls with
unleashed dogs. In two of those cases I am convinced my habit of carrying poles
made the difference of not being bitten by keeping the dog at bay until owner
could arrive and get it under control.”



“I was attacked by a German Shepherd. It bit my thigh then as I was scaling the
fence it pulled me off at which point the owner whistled once and the dog
retreated. Right now I worry more about my peaceful on leash dog's being
attacked that I hardly take them there anymore.! Last time I went I had to kick
a PITBULL dragging a leash that kept relentlessly trying to attack my dog and
was not responding to the owners calls”



“I have had a ton of run ins with off leash dogs barking and growling at me
while the owner says they're friendly.”



“I just can't walk my dog in the Fells anymore because it would be too easy to
get into an altercation. It's not safe for us.”



“I don't walk in the Fells but I have several friends from the military that do
and they are all concealed pistol permit holders. They told me that they now all
carry in the Fells to protect themselves and their children from aggressive, off
leash dogs. This is a tragedy in the making. Someone's dog may get shot or worse
die and it's well within the gun owners right to use deadly force on an
aggressive unleashed dog”



“I was bit by an off leash dog, drawing blood. I told the owner the dog should
be in a leash which then caused them to yell at me. Saw many more off leash dogs
that day, I have heard too many stories of people getting bit there or dogs
being attacked by off leash dogs. While a great place I have little interest in
going back due to this. “



“A dog came flying out of the woods towards my dog and I. She was leashed. My
dog growled. I pulled her short leash and just kept trying to avoid the other
dog who was growling back and following us. While the owner came walking down
the path without a care in the world. I spoke up. He told me his dog was
friendly. I said I did not care he needed to come get it.”



“Chased by an aggressive land shark aka pit bull while riding my bike on the
carriage path. Luckily was not attacked, owner frantically and eventually
recalled the dog.”

“I am a 75 year old woman who has been jumped on by two very large dogs and was
knocked down both times in 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, my husband is nervous
around dogs even if they are being playful and charging at him. In 2018, 2019,
2020 we encountered such dogs.”

“An unleashed dog came up to me while running and barked, jumped on me and
started to bite me before their owner finally showed up (last year). I have had
multiple experiences where unleashed dogs bother me and family members to the
point where we go into the Fells less often. MOST dogs I see these days in the
Fells are unleashed.”

“Have been attacked by dogs numerous times and am very allergic!”

“Last year, while on a trail run, a very aggressive dog cornered me on the trail
and would not let me pass, no owner in sight. Many other times while running in
the fells, dogs have chased me.”

“In Feb 2019, my wife and I were walking near Wenepoykin Hill when a large
unleashed dog trotted over and clamped its jaws on my arm. Its owner froze and
screamed in fear (not the reaction I hoped for) and then ran over to yank at the
dog’s collar. Once the dog let go, the owner didn’t apologize. Instead, she said
the dog didn’t like men in hats, which is probably why it attacked. If course I
was wearing a hat—it was February! Luckily, my thick winter coat prevented
injury.”

“I was bit in the summer of 2020 by an off leash dog being walked by a
professional dog walker. This was nowhere near Sheapfold. I have also been
aggressively chased by off leash dogs while on my bike near sheapfold but on the
reservoir trail. This summer while also on the reservoir trail again nowhere
near sheepfold I have had to come to a complete stop to prevent and off leash
dog from grabbing my leg while biking.”

“I have encountered off leash dogs that come running and almost jumping on me
and the owners are either not in the vicinity or they say "my dog is friendly".
I am uncomfortable with this situation and now rarely walk in the Fells. I
strongly believe that other than the dog park, dogs in the Fells need to be on
leash. In the same vein dog poop needs to be picked up, and removed from the
Fells, cyclists and runners should also obey the rules. Overall monitoring can
be increased.”

“an off leash, medium size dog with a muzzle came running up to me and my mom,
growling and clearly not friendly. His owner was way farther up the trail and
did not show any signs of caring that her dog could have hurt us.“

“it happens once in a while. not often. most people that have their dogs off
leash have well behaved dogs. I do have concern about dog excrement as well.
When dogs are off leash owners tend to not pay attention to when they poop or if
it is off trail, they poop in woods. given the large numbers of dogs that go off
leash, I think it may be a problem for water quality and ecosystem.”

“On the trail above the Sheepsfold (not IN the Sheepsfold) - a dog off leash in
the area saw my daughter from hundreds of yards away and came tearing out of the
field up to the trail we were on and began chasing her. She was 4 and absolutely
terrified and still fears dogs to this day. No owner ever apologized, but a dog
owner did scream at her for running away as we walked into the parking lot to
leave. This was the worst moment but since then there have been many encounters
with off leash dogs on trails jumping on us, etc. There needs to be more
enforcement.”

“Off leash dogs have chased me while I was running and x-country skiing. While
my daughter was a camp counselor, off leash dogs jumped on and bothered her
campers.”

“In the summer of 2020, I was knocked to down by 3 unleashed dogs walking
together on the cross fells trail.. I was not bitten but I hit my head going
down. I was ok, though. Earlier in the summer, my 7yo son was chased by an
aggressive off-leash dog on Middle Road. The dog's owners were able to call
their dog back but then beat the dog in front of my son.”

“Dog lunged at and nearly bit me. This is a dog that many people reported
problems about. Unfortunately, the owner was clearly out-of-his-depth with this
dog. Haven't seen it in a year -- perhaps he is going elsewhere?”

“I had a dog run up aggressively to me and started trying to bite my hand.”

“Nearly every ride I take in the fells, there is an interaction with an
off-leash dog. Whether it's aggressively chased, nipped at, yelled at by the
owner, etc. I am not a MTB rider, so I frequent the main fire roads. As such,
impact by dogs and their irresponsible owners is far more frequent.”

“Dogwalking services walk upwards of 6 unleashed dogs regularly in the Whitmore
Brook area. The owners are often the last to see a walker or runner and the dogs
do not respond to their voice commands. This happens weekly every year.”

“My 5 year old daughter is frightened of dogs. Many times in the Fells we've
encountered people who have left their dogs off-leash only to have it come
running excitedly up to us and terrifying my daughter. Granted these dogs aren't
necessarily aggressive, but my daughter doesn't realize that and I worry about
how a dog will respond to my daughters screaming and trying to run away. A lot
of people assume that if their dog is friendly and "loves kids" that means
everyone is and should be ok with them being off leash. That's obviously not the
case, and I would like for everyone to be able to enjoy hiking the fells in
harmony.”

“There are agressive dogs there all the time. I won't take my kids there any
more. Lots of dog owners are great but one lazy person with an aggressive dog
can ruin your whole day.”

“I have never had an injury, but I have been bothered by aggressive off-leash
dogs on my runs and walks in the fells many times in the past 4 years. Off-leash
dogs run up to me and jump on me. An off-leash dog tripped me once and caused me
to fall on the ground. It makes me very uncomfortable.”

“My wife and I have a dog, but always keep her on leash. When approached by an
off-leash dog, it can be concerning because you never know how that other dog
will react.”

“2019 - an off-leash German Shepherd bit my 13 lb dog - cutting his eye-lid. my
dog was on leash. Owner was NOT helpful nor apologetic”

“While not being bitten, I have had dogs run at me and jump, and had my legs
scratched by off-leash dogs. The owners are generally not very sympathetic, and
usually defensive.”

“I run in the Fells multiple times a week and nearly every run involves multiple
encounters with off leash dogs. It's epidemic. ThankfullyI haven't been bitten
yet but it's only a matter of time.”

“Ir is not uncommon for offleash dogs to bother people-- not to mention the
damage they do in the forest chasing wildlife.”

“Happened within the past year. I am a trail runner and don't appreciate being
jumped on by dogs at the end of a long run! Also, I have a dog that doesn't play
well with other dogs and it is very difficult to bring my dog to the Fells when
unleashed dogs are always running up to her. Thanks for the survey.”

“I have been chased by dogs when out running. In both cases, the owner called
the dog back so there was no incident. Bigger issue is owners not cleaning up
after their dogs.”

“The dog walkers do an okay job controlling dogs they have off leash, but
individual owners aren’t as good at it & have been approached aggressively.”

“2020 - Off leash dog ran aggressively towards me, stopped a few feet aware and
growled/barked constantly until owner caught up. Have also frequently had issues
with listening to owners calling/whistling to their dogs to try and bring them
back, often wandering the woods off trail to try and find them.”

“Off-leash dog rushing at me, snarling and barking- 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017,
2016, etc. basically at least once a year”

“Enforcement should focus on irresponsible owners who don't keep their pets
under good control (IE those who have them offleash outside any designated
areas).”

“While pregnant and there with my dog, I was literally thrown backwards after
being full on pummeled by a dog there. I could barely stand up after. I refuse
to go anymore after that.”



“July 2021 close to Wright Pond I was bitten”



“Tackled by a large dog a couple years ago. Sustained bites on my arm. Owner
refused to give info. I called 911 and waited 45 minutes in the Crystal Spring
lot for someone to arrive, but no one did. Got a call a few hours later from an
officer but it was far too late by then. Got my unrestricted LTC after that and
ever since, I concealed carry when I am alone in the Fells. Not looking for
trouble, but not going to get my head smashed against a rock by an uncontrolled
dog.”



“I have stopped brining my dog to the Fells due to the offleash dogs, whose
owners insist they they are friendly. My dog gets scared and hostile, and even
though he is on-leash I have gotten in the middle of skirmishes and am afraid
about what will ensue with other dogs.”



“A large German Shepard aggressively charged me on part of the skyline trail. I
don't really like running there bc people treat it like a dog park.”



“Pretty much every time I walk my dog we are bothered (or worse) by off leash
dogs”



“2 dogs were off leash and lunged at my children. The owners managed to stop the
dogs before they could touch my children. Then the owner got angry when I asked
him to keep his dogs on a leash.”



“Many times aggressive dogs came right up to me and my children. my youngest is
now terrified of walking there and I don't find it as relaxing as I used to:(“



“Nearly every time I’m in the Fells I’m approached by off-leash dogs. I have
severe fear of dogs from an attack in my childhood. Mostly these days I avoid
the fells because of the off-leash dogs”.



“I was walking my dog on leash and an off leash dog approached us and they got
into a scuffle. It was ridiculous and I no longer can bring my dog for walks
there due to all the off leash dogs.”



“I run in the Fells regularly (2-3 times a week), and I get run at or chased by
unleashed dogs at least once a week. Because of this weekly practice of mad dog
dodging, I'm getting pretty good at it and fortunately haven't been beaten.
However, this is not a skill I have in my mind to develop when I head out for a
run in the woods... When I complain to the dog owners, they would always 1) get
angry at me for daring to complain 2) say their dog is always friendly, which is
a stupid argument - I'm sure a lot of people thought Ted Bundy was a friendly
fella...”



“Dog charged me, was far from its owner, who did not call off the dog. A guy on
a bike intercepted the dog and yelled at it to make it stand down.”

“I ride my mtn bike in the Fells almost daily (I live adjacent to the Fells) and
encounter off leash dogs 5-6 times per ride. Most of the time the dogs are
simply in the way or otherwise a nuisance but on occasion I do encounter one
that is aggressive. I also regularly see dog walkers with 5+ dogs all of which
are off leash. In this scenario the walker has zero control over the dogs, this
could turn ugly very quickly.”



“There’s a huge number of dogs off leash who don't listen to their owners.”



“It seems like every time I'm in the Fells, unless the weather is terrible and
the trails are basically empty, there's a dog that runs directly into my path,
chases me, lunges at me, etc. This winter, I was backed off a trail by a very
large, aggressive dog who was snarling and snapping at me. The entire time, the
owner, who was strolling along behind the dog, kept saying the dog was friendly.
Yeah, friendly dogs don't run up at strangers and lunge and snarl at them. I've
been bitten once (very minor), and twice had large dogs jump on me and knock me
down. Never once has an owner actually apologized to me. Usually, if you say
anything to the owners, they get more aggressive towards you, so I've learned to
just get out of the area. I really love dogs, but I am sick to absolute death of
irresponsible, feckless, selfish dog owners.”



“I've been bitten twice in the Fells, once during the Winter Ultra. It sucks”



“I run in the Fells all the time. I used to live in Medford and would be there
multiple times a week. I would say as often as every other week I would
encounter an off leash dog that would charge me, jump up on me, or chase me. It
happens ALL the time.”

“My most-recent encounter with and aggressive dog occurred august 18, 2021. I
was on the reservoir trail near north border road. I had a flat tire on my bike
and was changing it when two dogs ran up and began barking at me. The owner
slowly wandered over and could barely speak but seemed to imply I was doing
something wrong. He made no attempt to control his dogs nor did he apologize.”

“1 year ago. The owner insisted that her dog was a rescue and thus needed to be
off leash. Her dog tried to attack our friend's dog (a puppy)”

“it happens on a regular basis, I am in the Fells several times a week. It
happened once in 2019, a few times each times since then. I had dogs in the
past, and so far I have been able to establish dominance over those aggressive
or temperamental dogs and keep them at bay, which is not something that every
one can do.”

“2021 - I was walking in the fells and an off leash dog jumped on me and almost
bit me.”

“About once or twice a year, I have been harassed by dogs off leash in the
Fells. When I bring the owners attention to this illegal act, I often get
ignored or berated.”

“Almost every time we go to the fells, an off leash dog scares my kids and the
owner brushes it off saying "oh, she/he's friendly". More than once a dog has
knocked one of my kids over, the most memorable time being when my daughter got
knocked into a pile of another dog's poop”

“2020 - knocked to the ground by an off-leash dog while trail running. 2021 -
rushed by an off-leash dog that was not under control by owner.”

“Our 20 lb. Cavalier was attacked by 2 off leash Golden Retrievers. We ended up
always picking him up when an off leash was around.”

“I encounter aggressive dogs in the Fells almost every time I'm there. I've been
chased by off-leash dogs on several occasions while running. I also encounter
dog walkers with large groups of dogs, sometimes as high as around 10 dogs. I've
witnessed once a dog walker getting out of a car with a large group of on-leash
dogs. Soon after, while into the Fells, the dog walker proceeded to off-leash
most of the dogs. The now off-leash dogs naturally started wandering in all
directions, off trail, including towards me.”

“We've experienced several instances of off-leash dogs running at our young
children since 2014. They have never been bitten, but it's impossible to know if
an excited off-leash dog coming at you is just overly friendly or aggressive. My
children were scared enough that, for the most part, we stopped taking them to
the Fells because it was too stressful.”

“An off-leash dog approached our running group and started barking aggressively
at close range near one of us. He wasn't bit thankfully, but the owner simply
brushed it off without apologizing. I run in the Fells weekly and see an
alarming number of poop bags left behind.”

“In 2019 I was hiking on the Skyline Trail when I began to catch up to another
hiker in front of me who had a large dog off leash. The dog did not like me
getting close so it would continuously stop on the trail and growl at me so I
couldn't go forward while it's owner continued hiking on. Owner had headphones
in and didn't realize what was happening or their dog wasn't near them any
longer. I yelled to the owner to get their attention who didn't hear me the
first few times and didn't seem to care.”

“Off-leash dogs are a danger, period, not only if they are reactive- the
preferred term in the dog training community over "aggressive." If my dog was
reactive- scared of other dogs or certain types of dogs- and was approached by
an off-leash dog while MY dog was on-leash, my dog would be likely to attack and
start a fight since he cannot get away (leashed). MY dog would be labelled
"aggressive" when he would have been fine on leash if not approached by another
dog. I have been approached by off-leash dogs just about every time I have
walked in the Fells this year. When my rescue dog was brand-new and I didn't
know how he would respond to strange dogs, this was terrifying. Once while
trying to block the off-leash dog from approaching my dog, I was yelled at by
the owner to "not kick my dog" (I was putting my body between my dog and his
dog). He made no attempt to call him off of me and when I told him that dogs are
supposed to be leashed in the Fells, he responded "well I'm not gonna do that."
Other dogs have been very assertive toward my dog, sometimes in what feels like
a very unsafe way, and it is VERY rare that the owner can call the dog back.”

“I live near Lawrence Woods and walk there often. I regularly see two women
walking a pack of about 10 off-leash dogs there on weekday mornings around 10am.
I have spoken with DCR, but have not yet called the police. This has been going
on for several years, and is still happening as of this summer. However, the
most aggressive dogs I've encountered happen to have been from individual dog
owners who aren't keeping their dogs on a leash. A large dog got up on its hind
legs and pawed me near my shoulders last spring.”

“Multiple times in 2020 and 2021 I have had negative encounters with off leash
dogs”

“Last year we encountered off-leash dogs almost every time we went out. Owners
always described them as friendly. That was not always the case.”

“The Fells is now the Wild West with people doing what they want with no concern
for others. Most dogs are off-leash , including the 5 or six dogs taken into the
Fells by dog-walkers. I have been frightened by large dogs running at me with no
owner nearby. I have been chased off the path by aggressive dogs. Any criticism
of a dog being off-leash is met with scoffing, laughter, swearing and aggressive
behavior similar to the owners' dogs. Although I live adjacent to the Fells, I
often drive the 30 minutes to Mt. Auburn Cemetery where dogs are not allowed and
i can feel safe taking my walk.”

“I had many experiences with dogs while hiking / running in the fells as well as
fishing in the fells, both off and on leash dogs, as well as have been bitten
before in the fells in 2019”

“i am terrified of dogs and find any dog that approaches me to be a problem. i
ask owners to lease their dogs. some do, some say " my dog is friendly". for
someone who was bitten before, i can't distinguish friendly from agressive. The
leash rules should be enforced.”

“Off- leash fogs are a constant nuisance everywhere in the Fells. Barreling into
my kids. Jumping up on my wife as she walks with our newborn strapped to the
front of her. Dog feces aling trails sometimes bagged and sometimes not. Owners
oblivious and sometimes hostile if you ask them to leash their dogs. It disgusts
me that people who use and enjoy the Fells so much have so little regard for
maintaining it or ensuring it is a welcoming place for others to use”

“Offleash dogs will frequently approach a highly allergic family member who must
constantly ask to have the dogs restrained. While not part of the survey people
leaving behind bagged poop at entrances etc is just so obnoxious.”

“2021 - I was walking with a friend who had her dog on a leash. A woman who had
two other younger people with her, had her dog off leash, and the dog was
aggressively barking at, and following, my friend's dog. Because of this, my
friend's dog kept responding back by barking and being aggressive. The owner of
the off-leash dog kept giving excuses for why they couldn't put a leash on their
dog. It was very frustrating!”

“My dogs have both been attacked by off leash dogs NOT at the dog park.”

“I walk in the Fells on a regular. I have had numerous encounters with
aggressive off-leash dogs. Many times, the dog owners are not in sight. Often I
can hear their distant voice ignored by the dog. The worst offenders are the dog
walkers who walk multiple dogs off leash. They have no control over their dogs.
Off leash dogs are a major problem in the Fells”

“I haven't personally encountered bites or aggression, but have had to ask dog
owners to heel their dogs as they charge or stop in my path.”

“off leash dogs are a major problem”



“We have been approached by aggressive dogs off leash already 3 times in this
short, rainy summer. Dog walkers always take groups of dogs off leash and a few
times 3-4 have run up to me and my on leash small breed.”

“Last winter my husband and I were in the Fells and there was a dog walker with
at least 6 dogs. Three of them were large off leash dogs and one ran and jumped
on me. The dog walker had no control over the off least dogs. We asked her to
leash them and she started cursing at us.”

“While I have never been confronted by an aggressive dog in the Fells, I have
been confronted all too often with unleashed dogs. Since there's no good way to
tell if the dog running toward me or staring at me is friendly or aggressive, I
now carry a trekking pole with me whenever I walk in the Fells. I shouldn't have
to do that.”

“I have experienced multiple aggressive dogs running after me during runs. There
have also been times where the dog was not aggressive but jumped on me and
scratched me or chased me, and I had to stop my run to bring them back to the
owner.”



“Completely stopped going to the Fells because of the dog menace. I was attacked
twice by offleash dogs and sadly the owners were completely unapologetic both
the times.”



“I mountain bike weekly in the fells and encounter unleashed dogs on most trips
which compromises safety. i’ve been bitten and friends of mine have been bitten
as well. “



“I was walking on the Skyline trail in Winchester. Woman with an unleashed dog
was in front of me. She was giving her dog a command to stay, but the dog
started rushed at me growling once I passed them. I stood still with the dog
barking at me until she got the dog under control.”



“I live 200 yards from the Fells and have for 21 years (in Stoneham) but no
longer set foot in there because of the off-leash dogs (allegedly confined to
the field at the Sheepfold-- ha!) as my smaller dogs ON LEASH kept getting
attacked by larger off-leash dogs. "Oh he's friendly, you're okay," "Oh, she's
never done that before!" etc etc I've heard it all. What a shame”



“All dogs are off leash, I have encountered numerous aggressive dogs all
off-leash weekly”



“Basically any time we go to the Fells it is overrun with unleashed aggressive
dogs. It’s reached the point that we no longer visit the area.”



“Dog walker with 8 dogs off-least. Several of them chased and bit me as i rode
by on legal mtb trail”



“I run in the Fells at least 4x a week and come across unleashed dogs that are
aggressively barking EVERY TIME I run through the Fells.”



“Multiple occasions of an aggressive dog sizing me up with no owner in sight”



“I was attacked by a German Shepherd on the trails near Sheepfold. It bit my
shirt and pulled me to the ground (fortunately didn't get my skin). I was able
to give it a solid elbow to the nose that bought enough time for the owner to
get it under control. The owner blamed me and refused to give me any
information. Some choice words were exchanged and I finished my run. Had it
broken skin it probably would have gotten a lot more ugly!”



“I counted 12 off leash dogs in an hour walk. My son is terrified of dogs and we
can’t go there because it’s so bad”



“Too many close encounters. The last one, the "friendly" dog lunged at me at bit
through my shorts a little closer and my nuts would have been gone (and also a
hole in my favorite running shorts). Of course, the owner said the dog never did
that before. Owners gotta get their shit together.”



“My wife won't go to the local DCR park by herself after a close encounter with
an off leash dog”



“I’ve definitely had close calls and it’s frightening. Several friends have been
bitten.”



“Both in 2020 and 2021, I've taken my dog for a walk in the Fells and
encountered badly behaved (not biting, but still aggressive in their approach!)
off-leash dogs. My dog is always on a leash, but an aggressive situation
escalates when he is approached by other dogs! I've had to shout at owners at a
distance, "My dog is not friendly!" and try to physically shoo the approaching
dogs away, but these owners don't have immediate control (or don't seem to
care?) and it's very stressful! I just can't walk my dog in the Fells anymore
because it would be too easy to get into an altercation. It's not safe for us.”



“A dog nipped my pants / back of hiking boot. I was able to kick myself free and
the dog ran off, thank goodness. June 2021 “