Should Animals Be Allowed on the Common?

Concerns about alpacas displayed during last summer's farmer's markets could lead to a Town Meeting discussion about allowing animals on the Common, selectmen said tonight.

Selectman John Carlson said he received complaints about odors from the alpacas, owned by Angel Hair Alpacas in North Grafton, after they were displayed during the weekly farmer's markets held Thursdays on the Common in the summer.

The current bylaw, established in 1974, prohibits animals of any type on the Common. In earlier times, the Common was used for grazing sheep and other agricultural purposes.

The law prohibits dogs, leashed or unleashed, to use the Common, although walkers can be seen using the site.

The farmer's markets will begin their fourth season this year. They provide a showcase for local agricultural establishments and provide fresh, locally grown produce for sale, said Michael Urban, who oversees the farmer's markets.

Displaying the alpacas, which are raised in town by town residents, provides a look at an animal that people might otherwise not see. The alpacas are raised for their wool, which is used to make items such as mittens and socks.

He said he had never heard a complaint about the alpacas on display. He said there are no immediate plans to showcase any other animals at the market, but said he could foresee rabbits or other small animals being involved at some point.

Carlson said he approached Maureen Agley, an owner of Angel Hair Alpacas, and asked her to put down material that would capture the animals' waste. She complied with the request, he said.

He said that having the alpacas as part of the agricultural event is "a good idea. But I'm afraid of what's coming down the road,'' he said, noting that horses or cows could potentially be featured.

Selectman chairman Peter Adams said he is concerned about events such as the farmer's market causing damage to the Common. With the large number of activities there, he said he is concerned "we are loving the Common to death.''

Selectman David Ross worried that animal droppings could pose a health hazard to children crawling on the ground.

Urban countered that all vendors at the market are required to clean up after themselves. Agley said she believes that the alpacas are "getting a bad rap for the odor'' and questioned whether the number of dogs at the Common could contribute to the issue.

Parks director Phil Johnson shared Adams' concerns that the Common is overused. He said he had considered closing it for a season to allow the grass to grow unimpeded.

"The tuft has gone right down the chute,'' he said.

He said that every time the alpacas were displayed at the farmer's market, "my phone would ring off the hook'' with concerns about the animals being displayed there.

Adams asked whether the Farmers Market could move to another location, such as the town property at 25 Worcester St.

Urban said the Common is an ideal location for the markets and for a variety of town activities. "The Common is part of the greatness of this town,'' he said. "It's a beautiful spot.''

Having 250 people visit the market is "a good thing, not a bad thing,'' he said.

Selectmen suggested supporters draft an article for the May Town Meeting if they want to change the bylaw to allow animals at the Common.