Complaints about dogs on off-leash trails rising

“The more people in the parks using them, obviously the more incidents that we’re getting complaints for,” Colin Heyens, acting supervisor of City of Medicine Hat Bylaw Enforcement, said. “We are just trying to focus this month and hopefully try and curb some of those negative behaviours so everyone can have free use and enjoyment of all the parks.”

Bylaw officers will be enforcing a variety of issues including dogs being on-leash on designated trails and making sure owners are cleaning up after their pets.

Where there is no sign saying whether a trail is on- or off-leash, Heyens says “if you don’t see a sign stating it’s an off-leash area, you’re better off keeping your dog on a leash.”

But if dog owners do decide to let their furry friends off-leash, Loveseth says they should be well trained.

“You should be 100 per cent guaranteed that your dog is going to come back to you and if you don’t have that certainty with your dog, then your dog shouldn’t be off-leash and you should do more training with your dog,” Loveseth said.

Coun. Phil Turnball says he’s also received quite a few complaints and they’re coming from people who have been bit by out of control, off-leash dogs.

“What it boils down to is that we have rules and regulations whether you agree with the rules and regulations, the trail needs to be available to be enjoyed by all citizens,” Turnbull said. “Those with dogs and those without dogs.”

Turnbull hopes people understand that off-leash dogs affect everyone around you and that it’s important they are well trained.

Heyens says bylaw officers will be increasing the level of patrol.

“We also have an ATV we use to specifically patrol the trails and check the users to make sure everyone is having a safe time,” Heyens said.

For those violating the rules, fines start at $75.

by Teagan Rasche

Complaints about dogs on off-leash trails rising

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