I totally agree with Claire Bouchard of Central Saanich regarding the fact that off leash dogs are indeed ruining the relaxation and pleasure of using some of the local parks.
I will tell you a story or what happened to me a week or two ago. I was riding my horse on the road and as I was walking along, I looked and saw a woman with an off leash dog. As I walked along … I saw and heard this black dog come galloping up towards me, growling. The lady called the dog and he stopped for a second, then continued charging towards me, growling. I dismounted and confronted the woman. I had a few words with her but after, I thought I should have taken the time to explain how scary this situation could have been for me, my horse and her dog.
I love dogs and I don’t care if they are friendly or not, playing or not, I don’t want to deal with off leash dogs in the trails on the park. This dog was certainly not under control.
I lived at the edge of Beaver Lake for 30 years before moving to Saanichton and I can say that these incidents were common. Why don’t these dog people realize that one kick from my scared horse would kill their dog instantly?
I think the off leash bylaw does not work as people are not that responsible it seems. The whole “under control” idea seems to be a bit of a joke.
I know that much of the horse community feels the same way as me.
Joanne Lomax, Saanichton
