To the editor;
In today’s edition of the newspaper (May 23, 2019), a letter to the editor was printed about off-leash dogs.
See: Resident lays out the facts regarding dogs off leash in Barriere
While the letter itself had a general message that I support “call if you have a complaint so that the District has the opportunity to address the issue” and “visit the District of Barriere’s website and read about Bylaw Enforcement”, some of the details she stated were not correct.
I remember that conversation with that person very well, and another staff person was in the office at the time and also remembers hearing that conversation. I was very clear that dogs are INDEED REQUIRED TO BE ON A LEASH in District parks.
The only time I mentioned that the District does not have leash requirement is in areas outside of its public parks (for example: private land that people often trespass –with owner consent-to walk their dogs).
This person was speaking to me about her own personal interaction with her leashed dog in relation to another individual she encountered within our park who reportedly told her that “large dogs are not allowed in the park” and I reiterated that she is not in contravention of the Parks Bylaw as long as her dog is leashed and in her control.
I’m perplexed as to how she got that there “are no leash bylaws in the District” from our conversation.
I just wanted to make sure you were aware that no, that is not the message I provide to individuals inquiring about leash rules so if you get phone calls asking if the rules have suddenly changed, no, of course not.
As least her message indicated that people should go to our website, click on Town Services and then Click on Bylaw Enforcement to read the bylaw regulations surrounding animal control as there it clearly does indicate that dogs are required to be on a leash in District parks.
Tasha Buchanan
Deputy Corporate Officer
