Should dogs be allowed to run free at Delaney Conservation area?

Dogs on leashes and owners picking-up are fine with me. But, the state still lets a hunt club run wild - no leashes, dogs in a frenzie, no pick-up after the dogs or horses. They also post no vehicles, yet they also let the dog club drive over the place - birds like Killdeers are greatly reduced in numbers, since they are ground nesters. If dogs are allowed on leash or if they are banned, the ruling should apply to everyone and not exclude the hunt and dog clubs.

Hiking and running our dog off leash at Delany is one of the biggest memories of our dog. It was great exercise for us all and it provided great socialization for our dog. The dog owners are extremely responsible and the dogs were always well socialized and well mannered.

I do remember that some dogs were not cleaned up after -especially in the beginning of the trail - we called that the bathroom area. I'm sure that the responsible dog owners that go there would be more than happy to clean up with a reminder.

One thing that is tricky... who will pooper-scoop after the horses?

I am of the opinion that most of the people at Delaney that let their dogs run loose, should be placed on tight leashes. Most don't have voice or command recalls on their dogs. Pity the poor owner who has their well-behaved dog on a leash and is terrorized by not one, but sometimes two or three dogs running loose. Not all of the dogs running loose are dog friendly, or people friendly for that matter! As a responsible dog owner, I love to hike with my dog(s) on a leash and always regret taking them to places where owners do not have voice or hand command control of their dogs. People are generally clueless when you ask them to come get their dog. THese people need to get a clue, because they are ruining it for the responsible dog owners not only in Stow, but in the state.

All dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. It is difficult to enjoy Delaney when your head has to be down at all times to look out for the dog doo. Ownetrs who let their dogs run free are not going to hike around to find their dog's doo every time.

I guess I missed when President elect Obama announced we were now living in communist China. Or maybe it was Iran. What has happened to the people in this state?

My family and I have been bringing our dogs to Delayne for 20 years. My parents have spread the ashes of their dogs at Delayne 20 years. Needless to say I have a lot of experience going to Delayne with or without my or my parents dogs. It the 20 years of me going to the park at least 2 times a week (spring-summer-fall) and once a week in the winter I did not encounter one incident where a dog acted aggressively towards and man, women or child. I have seen a few dogs get out of control on each other but thats the nature of dogs and is EASILY negated by a swift correction. I have encountered families with children more dangerous than most dogs.

I have also encountered people at the park who are absolute jerks. I would imagine people a lot like this Marcia Rising or the Stow board of health. These are the kind of people you would run into at the park who are to good to be human enough to say hello or smile even if you were to wish them a 'happy walk' or 'enjoy the day'. Most likely Marcia wouldn't even acknowledge your kind gesture of a 'hello'. I have been on walks at Delayne without the dog and have had these experiences. People too stuck up to be human and extend common courtesy.

I have also encountered what to me is the most dangerous participator in Delayne fun... The mountain biker... I have been nearly run over countless times. Most recently a mountain biker came down the hill at the beach (on the far right walking in) he and his gang of bikers in spandex (8-10 riders) came down the hill aiming at me and my wife. Two of the bikers had to dump the bikes and crash to avoid my wife. Are you going to tell me a dog running towards you(smiling) just to say hello is more intrusive or dangerous than a 150 -200 lb man literally jumping down a hill towards you. What would have happened on that hill if I had a child walking with us? He-she could have been killed or injured.

I can certainly understand the dog waste issue. A large percentage of dogs were doing their thing without owners picking it up. Action should have been taken. I agree with the issue and I was one of the many dog owners taking responsibility. We even supplied bags at the opening.

A dog is mans best friend and not a danger. If you stand back and take a good look at the Delayne ruling anyone can see it's another step towards removing civil liberties. I personally think the health board and Marcia Rising along with the entire 'to full of yourself to say hi' park participants should be ashamed of yourselves. Put the Dunking donuts cup down, put the minivan in park and grow up. Move to China if you want to enforce ridiculous chest pumping rules.

One last comment. a 1,000 lb horse can get spooked and cause more damage than a dog. A galloping horse made my niece cry once. Has anyone ever seen a horse owner pick up horse poop? What’s horse poop you ask.... It's a mound of fly covered crap in the middle of the trail. I also forgot to mention the dog training crew with loud guns and drive there cars around like they own the place.