North Okanagan petition calls for better enforcement of on-leash rules for dogs – Okanagan

Owners of two Northern Okanagan dogs online petition We ask local districts to do more to prevent people from letting their dogs off leashes in leashed parks.

Over 250 people have signed a petition calling for increased dog control and better signage at Leash Park.

Organizers say dogs are rarely seen on patrol in recent years.

“I’m not trying to spoil anyone’s fun. Having your dog off leash is healthy and allows them to run around, but there are many off-leash parks where this can occur.” No matter what happens,” said Donia Strand, the organizer of the petition.

“It’s like the Old West.”

Strand and Eckhart say they have dogs that have been attacked in the past. Although no attacks have occurred in our local parks, dogs off-leash in off-leash areas pose a problem for pets.

“I’m not worried about my dog ​​Barney biting anyone, but he’s scared and if an off-leash dog comes up and hits him in the face while he’s on a leash, he’ll Retreat and then be scared for a few days,” Strand said.

The North Okanagan Regional District (RDNO) was not available for interviews, but said in a statement that dog wardens conduct daily patrols of parks and trails and have many other responsibilities. said.

The district said it received 447 dog management complaints last year, of which only 12 involved dogs that were off leash.

The RDNO said it is looking for opportunities to add more signs and plans to launch a public education campaign focused on responsible dog ownership.

An RDNO spokesperson said in a statement, “While voluntary compliance has always been our desired outcome, we are working to bring the region into harmony with the many types of users who enjoy the outdoors and are fined where appropriate. I am here to do that,” he said.

The petition organizers plan to formally send the petition to the RDNO in March.

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