Members of Medicine Hat Police Service's Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section will be in parks and trails over the next few weeks ensuring people are following the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Bylaw to reward dog owners following the rules in parks and on trails

Aug 24, 2023 | 3:09 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Bylaw officers will spend more time on the city’s trail system and in parks in the coming weeks focused on dogs and their humans.

Members of Medicine Hat Police Service’s Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Section will be out there to ensure the dog owners are following the Responsible Animal Ownership Bylaw and that the areas are safe for all users.

Acting bylaw supervisor Colin Heyens says there are a few things in particular officers will be looking for. Officers are distributing gift cards for the Poolhouse Cafe & Roastery downtown to people who are following the bylaw.

“Having your dog on-leash in leashed areas and having it under control in the off-leash areas curbs a lot of the negative interactions between dogs and dog owners,” he says.

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“Also having the needs like the poop bags to clean up after your pet on the trail to keep it clean for all the users whether they’re riding a bike or just a pedestrian. And then also we are checking animal licenses so having your tag attached and affixed to the collar. It makes our job a little easier to ensure that your pet’s licensed.”

Heyens says bylaw has already been getting positive feedback and hopes this initiative will continue in the future.