Off Leash Dogs

[Rotarran]

Today I inadvertently stumbled upon a great way to get dog-owners to get their off-leash-dogs back on the leash without being confrontational.  I was at Downsview park when I spotted a white motionless blob of fur.  When I got closer I realized it was a dead possum and was already starting to decompose.  

Nearby a couple of dog-owners let their dogs run wild and partially out of concern for the dogs (but of course also the wild-life), I told the owners about the dead possum and other potential diseased carcasses that their dogs may run across and get sick from.  They put those dogs back on the leash instantly.  

So that gave me the idea of using this type of 'scare-tactic' more often even if I haven't seen any carcasses.  It's better than starting an argument about the rules and by-laws which nobody ever follows or enforces.  Anyway, just thought I'd pass along this technique, maybe it can useful to other birders and naturalists as well when faced with off-leash dogs and their owners.

[Dinusaur]

That's a great idea. How about those 'off-leash' planes?

[Leslie]

Dogs are exposed to hazards when allowed off-leash in inappropriate areas.  See this article prepared for High Park:
http://highparknature.org/wiki/uploads/ ... _parks.pdf

[Rob'in'To]

Off leash dogs, or rather their @#!* owners infuriate me.  One park near us has numerous signs clearly stating that dogs must be on leash with the bylaw code.  I usually keep to myself but some dogs are too out of control.  And surprisingly enough, so are their owners!  They fight swear spit and argue, telling me to go find another park to "bird" in.  I think telling them something worse than a dead rotting carcass is needed at times.  Sorry just venting.

I've told some with smaller rampant dogs that there's a Great Horned Owl in a conifer nearby and their little Toto would make a lovely meal.  The Owl is big enough, strong enough, and if hungry enough, will fly down, grab the dog and carry it off.  Ya, it works quite well with some.  And the looks from these people are Kodak moments with expressions of fear and horror.