Re: Dogs need to be leashed in Lagoon, Letters, Sept. 14, 2011.
After reading the letter about “dogs needing to be leashed at the lagoon” I feel I need to add a correction.
At Esquimalt Lagoon beach, to the west of the bathrooms, is an off-leash dog running area. Colwood bylaw has failed to post this at that end of the side road, as I have called numerous times about it.
I have also asked for a garbage can for poop bags near the end of the side street.
People need to be aware that the west side of the bathrooms is off-leash and if the people have a problem with dogs running at large, then they need to tour the east side of the bathrooms where dogs are legally supposed to be leashed.
Walking dogs at the Lagoon I have also encountered “nasty” dogs that should not be roaming in the off leash dog park.
The owners are not aware that the west side of the bathrooms is off-leash and many times that is why there are issues.
People with dogs who show any signs of aggression should not be at the off-leash park, unless they see it is clear of people. Then go for it, exercise your dogs.
Peeing on people’s stuff is not acceptable either. As I have noticed being an animal caretaker and running into “nasty” dogs, it’s usually the owners who are just as nasty as the dogs. By nasty I mean aggressive and ill trained.
Usually dogs that are running free are nice non aggressive dogs. It’s only a few with irresponsible owners who let the troubled ones go. Please don’t lump all dog owners into one bucket.
Cookie Taylor
Metchosin
