To the Editor,
Re: Dog problem requires more enforcement, Letters, June 7.
I’m wondering about Tom McCartney’s shrill letter about Nanaimo’s “very serious” problem regarding off-leash dogs and how the $150 fine should be more rigorously enforced – by the addition of more animal control employees?
I and my dog are regular walkers along the seawall and through Maffeo Sutton Park.
We often encounter many owners with dogs and almost without exception they are responsible owners with their dogs on leashes completely under control. It’s a matter of owner pride.
I agree that dogs in parks used by many people should be on lead and under control, and it goes without saying that they should be picked up after.
In my experience, there is much more litter including plastics scattered along Maffeo Sutton Park and the walkway than any rare bits of uncollected dog poo.
How about ranting for more enforcement for an anti-littering bylaw instead?
Anyone who has been to the Dallas Road off-leash area in Victoria has seen how dog owners, non-dog owners (many runners and cyclists), and off-leash dogs can all get along fine in the same park space (and leave less litter behind than here).
I agree with the request for “citizens to contact the mayor and council by e-mail or phone”.
I suggest that all concerned dog owners do so to defend ourselves (and our pets) from unwarranted draconian measures as proposed by this obviously anti-dog person.
Let’s see how the calls to council and the mayor go.
Meanwhile, lighten up. Nobody else sees this huge problem.
John Volkovskis
Nanaimo