Dog waste dispensers could be coming to Rehoboth

Looking to address a growing number of dogs and a lack of ways to clean up after them, the Rehoboth Beach Animal Issues Committee has recommended to city commissioners that dog waste bag dispensers be installed in city parks.

Commissioner Tim Bennett, committee chair, said during a meeting Feb. 21 that it makes sense to consider because there are more and more dogs. 

“We should have a way for people to clean up after their pet, because if we don’t have it…,” said Bennett. He cut his statement short, but everyone knew what he was talking about.

The committee was discussing the issue at the request of two constituents – Oak Avenue resident Jan Konesy and New Castle Street resident Carolyn Diefenderfer.

Committee member Bob Harrison said the committee had explored installation of dispensers in the past, but the biggest question was related to who was going to keep refilling the bags, then remove the waste. It was not a cost-prohibitive issue, he said.

Other committee members said it was time to revisit the issue.

Diefenderfer said in New Castle County, the parks department just did it as part of its general duties. 

Prior to the waste dispensers, the committee continued to talk about the possibility of a dog park in the city.

Bennett began this discussion by referencing the city’s new comprehensive development plan that says dog parks in the city aren’t a good idea because of limited space.

Committee member Deb Ward suggested the Rehoboth Little League complex off Holland Glade Road. It’s outside city limits, but there’s a lot of space, she said.

Referencing the dog park in Lewes, committee member Cheryl Crowe said dog parks on the outskirts of a community can still work. That park is outside downtown Lewes, but it’s still within town limits.

Diefenderfer questioned why allowing dogs on the beach was off limits. It works in Dewey and the state parks, she said. Bennett said a majority of city commissioners and the mayor don’t want it brought up.

Committee member Terry Smith said he thought Deauville Beach would make a fabulous place, from sunrise to 8 a.m. There’s nobody there and there’s plenty of parking, he said.

In the end, Bennett agreed to continue to explore park options outside the city and to find out how other communities deal with dogs on the beach, which will help facilitate a larger discussion in the future.