The City of Nanaimo is reminding dog owners to keep their dogs on leash and stick to designated trails in city parks with the most sensitive ecosystems.
Each dog is only one of hundreds that recreate in Nanaimo’s parks – the cumulative effects of all the dogs that visit the same area can be significant.
Some of the park ecosystems are important habitats for wildlife, fish and the foreshore, which might be impacted by dog activity that, at first glance, seems harmless and fun.
Birds that nest on or near the ground are particularly susceptible to harm by off-leash dogs. Nests on the ground or in low shrubs are very difficult to see and off-leash dogs can easily destroy or dislodge them.
Keeping a dog on leash in natural park areas is not only a responsible decision, it’s also the law. City of Nanaimo bylaws require dogs be leashed outside designated off-leash areas. Violators can be fined $150 per dog.
For more information about dogs in Nanaimo parks and trails, please visit www.nanaimo.ca.
