Thank you, Alderman Tom Taylor (Ward 3), for two orders relating to the Nunziato Off-Leash Recreational Area on the agenda for the regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen yesterday evening:

42. That the City Solicitor and Animal Control Officer comment on the ability of private, for profit dog walking businesses to utilize the Off Leash Recreation Area at Nunziato Field without violating any city ordinances or obtaining any permits.

43. That the City Solicitor and the Animal Control Officer comment on why the posted Rules and Regulations at the Off Leash Recreation Area at Nunziato Field are not being enforced.

These orders are in response to reports that on weekdays at midday, individual dog owners are unable to enjoy the OLRA together with their pets because the park is taken over by professional dog walkers violating the three-dog limit.

I, myself, asked Alderman Taylor whether there is any ordinance prohibiting for-profit business on public property, or requiring a special permit to do so, after I received an e-mail last weekend from a woman who had gone to the dog park on a beautiful day only to find three dog walkers there with their packs of dogs. One of the dogs jumped on her and the dog walker told her that she had to prevent the dog from jumping on her by doing such and such! She told the dog walker, rightly, that no, HE had to control the dog.

In addition to Alderman Taylor's orders, the Board of Aldermen also received a communication from a Somerville resident re: dog walkers in dog parks (item # 165 on the agenda).