The Parks and Recreation Commission is not running with a leash ordinance.

But dog owners are not out of the doghouse yet. The commission, at its March 19 meeting, said police should step up enforcement of an existing town ordinance that states owners must be able to keep their dogs under control. It also recommended that the Town Council pass a new ordinance with steep fines for dog owners in all town parks for violators who do not have bags or other ways to pick up after their dog.

“You need to have something and your fingers aren’t going to cut it,” said Michael Scanlon, the Town Council liaison to the commission.

Police Chief David Bailey proposed a leash ordinance about a month ago following a series of incidents. Since last summer, there have been three cases of one dog biting or harming another at Benedictine Park, a popular destination for dog walkers and young sledders.

One owner of a victim in the dog-on-dog incidents told the commission that his pet had not been seriously injured, but had been nicked by its attacker. He said he filed a police report as part of a query to make sure the other dog had its shots.

However, in one incident last summer, a dog bit a child on the face. Also, a dog attacked one resident at Legacy Park in September.

Patti Peters told the commission she supported the leash ordinance because of the danger to people, especially children. “I don’t want another child to get bitten in the face,” Peters said. “To me, it’s all about safety.”

Other speakers pointed out that was rare. Lyons told the commission that he did not think one incident of a child being bitten requires that the town pass a new ordinance. Angela Havens also said it’s been a long time since a person was injured by a dog at Benedictine Park.

Wendy Washecka said she brings her dog to Benedictine Park every day. During a two-week span, she saw sledders only once. The Farmers Market sets up shop at the park during the warmer months, but that is only for a few hours one day a week, said Washecka.

Otherwise, she said, most of the people using the park are dog owners.

“I feel that a leash law, especially at the Benedictine Park, would be punishing the people who most use the park,” said Washecka.

But Jennifer Craig said she often takes her children and their friends to the park, and the people are being crowded out by the dogs.

“Benedictine is turning into a dog park instead of a people park,” Craig said.

Even her daughter, 8-year-old Isabella, briefly testified before the commission.

“I think we should make another park, but only for dogs,” she said.

After one hour of public testimony, the commission said it’s not the right time for a leash law, but members reserved the right to revisit the issue if stricter law enforcement, better signs and fines for dog owners without poop containers do not solve the problem.

“That’s the nice thing about government,” said Scanlon. “We can always undo our mistakes.” Several other compromises were brought up during the meeting. Havens said the town should install a snow fence during the winter, segregating dogs from people.

Norm Longval, an alternate Town Council liaison to the commission, said separate hours might do the same thing.

“It’s worthwhile to say, ‘OK, I am willing to have certain hours that I can live by, that they can live by,’” said Longval.

Several dog owners, however, were opposed. Washecka said limited hours during winter weekdays would make it hard for her to go to the park, while Lyons said no restriction in hours would be agreeable to everyone.

In other business, the commission reviewed a list of members for a proposed dog park subcommittee, which must be approved by the Town Council.

Members would include Longval as chairman, Jennifer Edwards, a local veterinarian, and Steve Paul, the town animal control officer. Other at-large members include residents Laura O’Donnell, Lissa Foote, Doris Przybyla and Sheryl Hammond.

Longval said if a dog park is established, it would be done without taxpayer dollars. He also said a new dog park would not prevent dog owners from going to Benedictine Park.