Milford Weighs Offseason Dog Access at Walnut Beach
A proposed amendment would let dogs use Walnut Beach from October 1 to April 30, but the Board of Alders has tabled it.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Dogs
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Milford Mayor Richard Smith is spearheading an amendment that would allow dogs on Walnut Beach during the offseason. The ordinance committee voted to forward the amendment to the Board of Alders, which tabled it and will discuss it next month.
Why it matters
Dog owners want the change to signal that Milford is pet friendly, while opponents cite risks to birds that nest on the beach during the offseason. The outcome will determine whether the city's beach rules shift for the colder months.
The amendment would cover the October 1 to April 30 offseason at Walnut Beach. Alder Win Smith Jr. has raised concerns that the proposal was not communicated properly to the public.
The players
Richard Smith
Richard Smith is the Mayor of Milford, Connecticut, who is spearheading the amendment to allow dogs on Walnut Beach during the offseason.
Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce is the conservation science manager for the Connecticut Audubon Society, an organization focused on protecting birds and their habitats in the state.
Win Smith Jr.
Win Smith Jr. is an alder on Milford's Board of Alders who raised concerns that the amendment was not communicated properly.
The details
Dog owners gathered in Milford to ask city leaders for the change, and the ordinance committee heard public comments Thursday night before voting to forward the amendment. Matt Joyce, conservation science manager for the Connecticut Audubon Society, is among those who have weighed in on the environmental side of the debate.
Timeline
October 1 to April 30: Offseason period the amendment would cover at Walnut Beach.
Thursday night: Ordinance committee heard public comments and voted to forward the amendment.
Next month: Board of Alders is set to discuss the tabled amendment.
Reader Impact
The amendment reflects a broader local tension between pet owners seeking beach access and conservation groups protecting nesting birds during the offseason. Its fate will set a precedent for how Milford balances those competing uses of its shoreline.
If the amendment passes, dog owners could bring pets to Walnut Beach from October 1 through April 30. Until the Board of Alders acts, the current year-round restrictions on dogs remain in effect.
The takeaway
Local rule changes often hinge on how well proposals are communicated to residents before votes are taken. Dog owners and conservationists alike can follow the Board of Alders' discussion next month to track where the amendment lands.
What happens next
The Board of Alders is scheduled to discuss the tabled amendment next month, in December 2026.
Further reading
For more on local pet rules and outings, see Dogs coverage across Milford.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTNH.
Live Poll
Should dogs be allowed on local public beaches during the offseason?
