The following is the letter that I wrote to Paul Feiner and the Greenburgh council members. The response given was a generic copy/paste rhetoric and more than likely my letter was not read by the recipients. 

please continue to share the petition and to send your grievances to Greenburgh political members. Our government should change and adapt to the community and its needs, not stay stagnant and restrictive with antiquated laws and thinking. 

Re: Urgent Call for Reform of Outdated and Unsubstantiated Professional Dog Walking Policies

Dear Supervisor Feiner, Councilmember Lucasey, and Councilmember Broccoli,

I am writing to express deep concern over the current regulations imposed on professional dog walkers operating in Greenburgh. As both a veterinary professional with over a decade of experience and a constituent of this town, I find the present policies not only outdated and restrictive, but lacking any credible foundation or evidence-based rationale. More troubling, however, is the seeming unwillingness of this administration to consider data, evolving community needs, or the success stories found within our own borders—namely, Westchester Wags.

The recent targeting of Westchester Wags, and the use of a photograph allegedly showing ten dogs( six are present in the photo) as a basis for policy decisions, is emblematic of a larger issue: decisions appear to be rooted in optics, ignorance, and hesitation to change—not facts, safety records, or genuine constituent input. That this photograph was neither analyzed nor discussed seriously before policy implications were raised is deeply disheartening.

Let me be clear: Westchester Wags has completed over 1,600 pack walks without a single incident involving either the public or the dogs in their care. As a veterinary professional, I have seen firsthand the physical, emotional, and behavioral benefits of their services. My own dogs have participated in their structured, well-managed pack walks and have thrived because of it. Their staff is well-trained, insured, and operates with a professionalism that should be modeled, not punished.

Rather than imposing arbitrary limitations or suggesting, dismissively, that they "just hire more employees" (a remark that shows no understanding of small business economics or labor dynamics in Westchester County), the town could explore more constructive alternatives. For example, Greenburgh should consider adopting a permit system that allows proven professionals like Westchester Wags access to public parks during designated, less crowded hours. This permit could be contingent on proof of liability insurance, safety records, and ongoing staff training—all of which Wags already exceeds.

If Councilmembers Lucasey and Broccoli are unsure of what modern, ethical, and effective pack-walking looks like, I urge them to shadow Westchester Wags on one of their walks. Seeing their structure and professionalism firsthand would be far more instructive than relying on outdated assumptions or misinterpreted photographs.

Furthermore, while Wags is being scrutinized, the real and growing issue in our parks—owners routinely letting dogs off-leash in clear violation of Westchester County leash laws—goes largely unaddressed. These individuals pose a much greater risk to both public safety and the safety of other dogs, including those under professional care. It is unfortunate that responsible businesses are punished, while unsafe behaviors by unregulated owners persist unchecked. Personally, I no longer bring my dogs to public parks in Greenburgh for this exact reason: I do not feel they are safe.

Policies must evolve with the times and the needs of the community. They should reflect evidence, prioritize safety, and support small businesses who are doing good work. Greenburgh deserves forward-thinking leadership, not one that clings to antiquated laws and ignores the voices of its own residents and professionals. This is not just a matter of dog walking; it is a matter of governmental responsiveness, transparency, and adaptability.

I strongly urge this council to reconsider the current restrictions, engage in fact-based dialogue with the professionals and constituents affected, and begin the process of modernizing policy to reflect the real needs of our town.

Sincerely,
Rene L Patterson
Resident & Veterinary Professional
Town of Greenburgh