LETTER: Another Dog Biting Incident
In a letter to MyRye.com in the wake of our reporting earlier this week on dog biting incidents (Aggressive Off Leash Dogs Spark Resident Concerns), another Rye resident tells of a dog biting encounter. Nathan Waring of Central Avenue in the Dublin neighborhood of Rye was walking with his wife in the area of Playland and the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary last summer when he was bitten. Have you had an experience with aggressive off leash dogs? Leave a comment or contact us.
Here is Waring’s letter:
To MyRye.com:
My name is Nathan Waring. On the morning of August 4, 2024, I was bitten by a dog on the stretch of road between Playland and Edith Read Sanctuary. I immediately called 911 and reported the bite to the police.
The dog, a 30–40 lb poodle, was on a fully extended retractable leash. After it bit me on the back of my knee, I called out to the owners, saying, “Excuse me, your dog just bit me, please stop.” The female owner responded by laughing at me, smiling, and walking away quickly into Edith Read Sanctuary. This was particularly troubling given the clear signs prohibiting dogs in the sanctuary.
My wife and I contacted the police and waited at the sanctuary entrance for the owners to exit with their dog. The police were able to stop them upon their departure. While the dog that bit me was small, the bite caused significant pain and left me feeling distressed and alarmed. The owners’ dismissive response and lack of compassion further added to my discomfort and concern.
As frequent visitors to Playland and Edith Read Sanctuary—typically 3–6 times per week—we have repeatedly encountered dogs off-leash, aggressive dogs, and irresponsible dog owners. These issues are not limited to these areas; we have observed similar problems at the Marshland Conservancy. Despite the posted rules and regulations, violations appear to be commonplace, creating an unsafe environment for other visitors.
This incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of leash laws and the prohibition of dogs in restricted areas. I respectfully request that this matter be addressed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of these spaces for all visitors.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
-Nathan Waring
