Bethesda Elementary School Principal Lisa Seymour sent a message to the community via the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center yesterday, reminding residents that it is illegal for dogs to be on the grounds of the school when it is in session, and to pick up waste their animals leave behind on the property. The school grounds are "not a dog park," Seymour wrote in a memo. Uncollected dog waste is a disruption and health hazard for students using the playground during lunch, recess, and gym classes.
The memo cited and quoted Montgomery County laws regarding both matters, as well as the applicable fines for breaking them. Seymour also advised that dogs brought onto the property outside of school hours must be leashed at all times. Dog waste must be picked up, bagged, and disposed of properly. "Kindly please leave the area as you found it and dispose of all trash for the safety and well-being of our students," Seymour requested in the memo.
