Brick Farmers Market 2021. (Photo: Brick Township)
Residents’ four-legged friends will be welcome at the township’s Farmers Market this season – but both the canines and their humans are expected to behave.
Responding to a request from a number of residents, a committee of township council members made the decision to allow dogs to access the market area at Windward Beach Park during Farmers Market events, which run every Saturday morning starting May 6, into the fall. (See our previous story for details and a list of vendors.)
“Responsible dog owners have expressed dismay at not being allowed to bring their dogs to the market,” said Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic.
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Dogs are allowed at the park, however they are prohibited from the grassy area near the band shell where the market is held. Dogs must remain leashed at all times and under the control of their owners. As the council passed the policy utilizing a resolution, it can be changed if the allowance proves problematic. One resident who spoke at the meeting questioned whether animals should be allowed where food is being sold, saying the practice is uncommon at other Farmers Market events.
“A lot of them don’t allow pets because of the sanitary conditions, since they’re selling food,” said Sam Foster.
“This right now is a trial basis, and we can make a resolution to pull pets from it, depending on how it goes,” Council President Heather deJong said.
The resolution requires pet owners comply with all sections of the township code regarding pets.
“If all goes well, we’ll continue the practice – and hopefully all will go well,” Zapcic said.
