Dogs off-leash in on-leash areas: what's the problem?

With the exception of designated off-leash areas, dogs must be on leash at all times in public spaces including parks and trails. Many dog owners and dog walkers follow the rules (see Animal Control Bylaw 3343 – Section 5.1). But increasingly, we are seeing dogs off leash in areas where they are required to be on leash, leading to conflicts or uncomfortable interactions between walkers, hikers, cyclists, children, and dogs. When an unwanted interaction occurs, sometimes a dog owner/walker will say, "It's okay - my dog is friendly!" So, if the dog is friendly, what's the problem?

No matter how friendly a dog may be, an interaction might cause anxiety or lead to an injury - for a person and/or a dog. Safety and comfort are important for everyone, and both can be achieved when people and dogs share public spaces responsibly and respectfully.

If you own or care for a dog, we encourage you to think about how others may be affected when you allow your dog off leash in an on-leash area. Even if your dog is friendly, its actions/behaviours could surprise or startle people and/or other dogs, and conflicts or uncomfortable interactions could arise. In our community's shared spaces, please be respectful of the people and dogs around you including:

• reactive dogs on leash
• cyclists and runners
• small children and their parents/caregivers
• people with mobility challenges (who may be using a mobility device such as a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair)
• people who have a fear of dogs and/or who have experienced negative interactions with dogs in the past