Ross this week strengthened its leash law and its police force.

The township commissioners voted Monday to require that dogs on public property always be on a leash, and they voted to fill three vacancies in the police department.

The revision to the township's animal control ordinance forbids dog owners from allowing their pets to run at large in township parks or on streets.

The leash cannot be longer than six feet.

No one spoke for or against the measure at a public hearing that preceded the unanimous vote.

Pets still will be prohibited in the several small township parks that are posted with signs that say "no pets," solicitor Bonnie Brimmeier said in response to a question from Commissioner David Mikec.

Mr. Mikec had asked whether dogs now would be allowed in those parks if they were on leashes. The existing "no pets" rule still applies, Ms. Brimmeier said.

The leash requirement does not apply to animals on private property, allowing activities such as animal training to continue.

Also on Monday, Ross commissioners hired three police officers to replace officers who have resigned or retired.

The hirings bring the department up to its full complement of 43.

Gregory G. Garcia, William J. Scott and Robert Farina were selected from a list of four candidates recommended by the township's Civil Service Commission.

Chief Ralph C. Freedman said the trio would join the department in the next few weeks.

Once they are on the payroll, they will be assigned to and ride with a training officer for their first four months of duty, he said. All three will serve a one-year probation period.

Starting salary for a Ross police officer is $47,934. After three years, it rises to $68,477.

In another matter, Daniel DeMarco, president of the commissioners, said the township should not be affected by the provisions of new state mandates requiring first-class townships such as Ross to provide fire and emergency medical services.

Ross already supports its eight fire companies, providing $52,000 in township funds to each one this year, he said.

The township also employs Pittsburgh-based GSP Consulting to identify and write applications and lobby for federal and state grants to support emergency services.

The firm will be paid about $32,000 this year.

Among other successes, he said, the consultants helped Ross obtain a more than $400,000 grant used to buy emergency air packs for firefighters.