It’s good that the town is actively trying to accommodate dog owners as it relates to off-leash dog areas. And I am sure that dog owners appreciate it.
However, allowing dogs to roam off leash and unconfined among the general public on public land is not OK. This creates an unsafe condition that exposes the general public to unreasonable risks. There are inherent risks to being around an off-leash and unconfined dog.
Many people do not feel safe when an unrestrained dog has access to them. Not everyone is comfortable with the possibility of being sniffed, bumped into, jumped on, barked at, growled at, bitten etc., by an off-leash dog while using public paths. I think this is reasonable.
It is not unreasonable to expect that all of these things do and will happen in town-designated off-leash areas. Some on a regular and frequent basis.
The public has a right to use all public land that is designated as for their use and to feel reasonably safe while doing so. It is government’s responsibility to ensure that right. The risks that these unsafe conditions present to the public far outweigh any benefits.
No need to monitor the situation, a public consultation, a study, a pilot project, etc. This unsafe condition can and needs to be rectified now.
Wherever dogs are allowed off leash on public land, there needs to be a physical barrier between the dogs and the general public. It’s a matter of public safety.
Brian McArthur
