I just heard that a number of the people we meet in our local park were given $260 tickets for having their dogs off-leash - it is not a leash free park. Apparently, the "officers" were hiding in the trees and lept out and started chasing the dog owners and their dogs. I simply do not understand why the City of Toronto and other cities cannot come up with a better compromise. The only option we have where we live is to drive to High Park (15 minutes away (a large park in Toronto that recently had an incident where dogs were poisoned). I would like to ask David Suzuki if he thinks it makes good environmental sense for all of the dog owners in my neighbourhood to drive to a park everyday simply to walk our dogs off-leash. If it is the "mess" that is the issue, I would like to ask which of our dogs left their Tim Hortons cups, candy wrappers, and other garbage all over the park. Or is that more likely the parents of the children playing soccer?
Is it not possible to pass a more appropriate bylaw that allows dog owners to use the parks, for example, before 8:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. off-leash?
Thanks for listening - I feel better now...
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
I hear what you're saying West End... and opening up the parks after "play" hours does sound like an interesting alternative. Why not propose your solution to a city or park (which ever authority is responsible) councellor? They might see credit in your idea and move it forward!
As for dog poop... that's more a matter of neglegent dog owners, not necessarily dogs off leash. I've berated owners for not scooping... and their dogs were on leash! If the dog is off leash, the owner isn't free from her scooping responsibilities. Owners whose dogs are off leash should always be aware AND in control of what their dogs are doing... and of course, that means owners need to train their dogs. My dog and I did Agility for years - and because of that I can say "stop" and he'll stop... where ever he is. Training is vital!!!
Just to continue...I totally agree with you Reginagirl - I'd rather step on a Tim Horton's cup than dog poop - and that includes my own dog's poop! What makes me so angry is that there are no dog friendly parks to go to without hopping in the car. It just seems counterproductive to try to reduce the use of cars but need to drive to take your dog for a walk. It's the lack of choice for dog owners that is so frustrating - it seems our City is really putting dog owners, and nobody else, in a pinch. Perhaps the solution is more leash free zones or, as I mentioned when I started this topic, open the parks up to dog owners after 9 or 10 p.m., when the parks are empty (but for the teenagers drinking and smoking drugs).
Well I live in a city with off leash parks and it seems the way to get more is to start lobbying your city officials (the elected ones). Seems to me it's like anything else, a few people can make a mess of things but for the most part the majority are responsible.
A good example is a park I've started taking my dog to. The one that is near me is okay, but no fences and near roads makes me nervous. So I noticed one not too far away that is now completely fenced off. Apparently the community got together and raised the money to put up the fence. It's a win win as the dogs are contained and have a great space to run without bothering any of the houses or roads in the area. There are large garbage cans by each entrance and it seems the users regularly bring bags of plastic bags which they leave for anyone who happens to need them. In the few weeks since we started going there I have yet to see any stray pooh or litter and I think it's the dog owners who are making sure they keep it nice even if it does mean picking up after/or challenging those who aren't helping.
One thing is for sure, dogs are not allowed in the areas where kids play or you will be fined. When you have enough good dog parks around you avoid people trying to let their dogs run where they probably shouldn't because they have a place to go that is safe for them and anyone who just happens to be out walking (because they can go around the off leash area without risk of a furry welcome).
There are ways everyone can have what they want if people start thinking of how to make it work.
As a dog owner I hate to see dogs off leash we take ours out in the bush and run it there. I am afraid of dogs that run over to me and I am not happy when someone else has their dog off leash and it runs over to mine on the leash. I don't think anyone should litter but having said that slipping on a piece of paper or slipping on dog poop are not the same. If the signs said No to Off Leash then they should be prepared to pay the fine.
I was walking on a Sunday afternoon when a dog ran over to me and bit me on the arm.
Apparently the owners have never had a problem of this kind before but once is enough for me
I had never been afraid of dogs before but I am very afraid now. I have always loved dogs but they are animals and can be unpredictable.
I guess I am saying that I understand the fear people may have when they see a dog off leash.
If the dogs were off leash when they weren't supposed to be then clearly someone had complained so that the bylaw officers could catch them red handed. Many people are afraid of dogs and parents with small children worry about their kids being bitten under circumstances like this.
Anyone who really cares if their dog gets to run off leash should consider moving to a larger country property that allows for that and not be a bother or concern to others.
I would much rather step on a Tim Hortons cup than a [pile of dog poop.