Dogs Off-Leash Policy Survey

[Brian Bailey]

I just heard about this:  
A survey regarding proposed amendments to Toronto's dogs off-leash policy  
The survey ends tomorrow (May 31).
In part the survey is looking at a new proposal:

    New Designation - Proposed for Consideration

    Courtesy Hour Parks - Designated area and hours of operation in specified parks, no fencing and taking into consideration ward and neighbourhood site selection.

    Hours of operation:
    Monday to Friday; 6:00 am to 8:00 am / 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
    Weekends and Holidays 7:00 am to 9:00 am / 9:00 pm to 12:00 am
    Hours of operation in compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 608-9B Access, 5:30 am to 12:01 am when parks are open and during non peak hours of use.

    Locations would be approved based on established off-leash site selection criteria noted in Policy.

The survey deals with human interactions with off-leash dogs but appears to completely ignore their potential impacts on wildlife.  The proposed "courtesy" hours coincide with the times that many forms of wildlife are most active and therefore most likely to be encountered.

Many of the survey questions are directed to dog owners, but it is for anyone concerned about this issue.  I've seen posts about this on the board before, so I know there are some people with strong opinions who probably don't know about the survey or the City's consideration of a policy change.

BB

[paul_reeves]

I just filled out the survey.

Earlier this week I was bitten by a dog at Ashbridges Bay. It was a small dog, barely taller than my ankle, so it didn't do any damage to my jeans much less my leg. One of these days, though, a big dog WILL bite a small child.

Increase the size of the off-leash areas if necessary, but get the off-leash dogs back on a leash and charge the owners.