ORONO – A proposal for a townwide mandatory leash law sparked discussion Monday night that volleyed between canine freedom and the rights of human beings.

Under state law and town ordinance, dogs currently aren’t required to be on a leash, but may run at large only for hunting purposes. The proposal would require dogs taken off the owner’s property to be on an 8-foot leash and they couldn’t be left unattended.

Following the hour-long public hearing at Monday night’s council meeting, the panel agreed to send the proposal back to the operations committee for further discussion.

Brought forward at a community development committee meeting last month, the proposal took shape after some residents reported feeling threatened by an unleashed dog during last fall’s Orono Festival Days.

In supporting the proposal Monday, Mill Street resident Sandra Hutchinson said an unattended dog knocked down a 4-year-old boy in her yard last year. She added that nearly every dog bite comes from a family pet.

“If we allow this to go on, then we have decided that the freedom for dogs is more important than the safety and security of our children,” Hutchinson said to the two dozen people in attendance.

Speaking against the proposal, resident Paul Tisher said a leash requirement would make it harder for him to exercise his dog. A better alternative would be using the existing ordinance to bring owners under control, Tisher said.

“Dogs are reflective of their owners,” Tisher said. “When a dog is out of control, in my humble opinion, the owner is out of control.”

A violation of the existing ordinance could result in a fine of up to $1,000, according to Acting Town Manager David Struck.

Sally Sinclair said a law pertaining to specific areas of town would be more useful. Dogs wouldn’t need a leash in the more rural parts of town, but busy areas such as the village district and Main Street could benefit from a leash law, she said.