A Dog Park in the Town of Oyster Bay Is Needed
Mixed Breeds In Need of Oyster Bay is hosting a Shelter Animal Awareness Event and 5k Run/Hike in the Park at the Muttontown Preserve on Route 106 in Muttontown, on June 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 5K Main Race takes place at 9 a.m. and the Half Mile Fun Run is at 8:30 a.m.
“It’s the one day dogs are allowed in the Muttontown Preserve, and for dog owners to socialize and meet with their animals. We’ve gotten a great response to the event because that is what people want,” said Mixed Breeds In Need President Marsha Greenman.
“This is the 7th year of our event and we are hoping for a very good turnout! The public shelter situation on LI is presently a mess! We are working diligently as an advocacy and education NFP group to promote the proper care of our LI shelter animals -in the public shelters- for which we are paying taxes! We support the small rescue groups on LI and would like to make their jobs easier by pressuring the publically funded shelters to function in a beneficial way to promote animal adoption,” said Marsha Greenman.
Mixed Breeds in Need was one of those groups who came forward to ask the Town of Oyster Bay to change the way they cared for their Border dogs whose job it is to chase geese off public property – the town golf courses. It was a very successful effort.
“The Border dogs are now being taken home by the handlers and we are very happy about that and it seems to be working very well. The next issue is that the shelter has not had a director and we are hoping for a very qualified animal friendly shelter director that is open for the 21st Century ideas on animal welfare,” said Ms. Greenman.
She said while the position is a civil service one, the system itself is flawed in finding the best qualified person.
Ms. Greenman said, “We’ve made a reach into the community and the Town of Oyster Bay and as a result well qualified people are applying for the position. We are trying for advocacy and doing our best with the skills we have as a group.”
Need for a Dog Park
Another item on her wish list is a Dog Park in the Town of Oyster Bay. “This event, the Shelter Awareness Run/Haike is the only time dogs are allowed in the Muttontown Preserve. Nassau County offers no place for animals. There is a large dog loving population and they have nowhere to go. A cooperative effort is needed to achieve that. We have to reach out to the community so people can get together about it.
“Europe is dog-friendly. I don’t know why here we are enemies,” she said. “The Town of Oyster Bay is very negative about dogs in their public spaces.” At town parks and beaches there are “No Animals Allowed” signs. .
“People would love a dog park. I have a degree in architecture and would be interested in planning a dog park. I have a lot of friends willing to help,” she added.
Shelter Awareness 5K Run/Hike
Many NFP rescue groups will be attendance at the 5K run/hike. Dog obedience and animal related exhibitors, dog and cat adoptions; vendors; and food will be available at the preserve during the cross country run/hike with prizes and goodie bags for registered runners. Dogs on leashes welcome with NYS license and rabies tags. Call 624-0437 or mgtulipdom@aol.com for information
Race Overview: A wooded path winds scenically through the Muttontown Preserve in Muttontown, for a 5K main race and a half-mile fun run. A traditional cross country course combined with nature’s exciting challenges awaits you!
Race Divisions: Competitive and non-competitive cross country runners and casual walkers are welcome. Half-Mile fun run: Elementary school age entrants (up to 10 years of age).
Pets on leashes are welcome but will be started after the competitive runners. Please bring verification of NYS license and Rabies vaccination.
Entry Fee: Pre-registered if received by 6/1/11; Adults – $20; Fun Runners – $5; Same Day Registration – $25.
Donations are gratefully accepted at: Mixed Breeds in Need; 339 Mill River Road; Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Check In: Race numbers can be picked up starting 8 a.m.
Directions: Please enter through Route 106 entrance between Muttontown Road and Route 25A, and do not use any other entrance on your navigation device as they do not connect with the event area.
Prizes Presented to: First place male and female only for the following: Overall, 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and up.
Make checks payable to: Mixed Breeds In Need. All pets will receive a treat! Course timing by Island Timing.
