Dogs - nuisance or man's best friend?
Published July 29, 2011
As a Councillor like everyone else, we are impacted by the seasons. We respond to many resident issues. Some issues we address cover all seasons but as is readily discernible in the winter, we have to address snow issues. Summer is no different and we face seasonal challenges there as well.
One issue that keeps coming to the fore is dogs and their proclivity to use the outdoors to relieve themselves. Without fail, every summer, I and the other urban Councillors receive a good number of complaints about dog owners who do not clean up after their pet. What drove me to write this article is a passionate anonymous letter that I received from a resident of Ward 4. Though the author resides in that subdivision, I am sure the concern applies everywhere. The person that wrote the letter resides on a corner lot. The letter states that they constantly have dogs on their front lawn that are on retractable leashes. The pet owners allow their pet to roam onto their lawn and in the process the dog relieves itself and invariably the pet owner does not clean up after it.
I suppose the logical question to ask from that series of events is would a responsible pet owner allow their pet to go onto someone else’s lawn to let the dog relieve itself? I think we all know the answer to that and the answer is no - no responsible owner should allow that to occur and it should never happen.
We also get many complaints from residents about dog owners who walk their pet on the trail system and much the same thing takes place. In the County, there are bylaws that require a pet owner to clean up after their pet. Is that to much to ask? I do not think so. It would be wise for all people and all pet owners to remember the golden rule and if I might paraphrase – do not let your dog relieve itself on a lawn or a trail system – unless you want someone to do it to you. There is also a health hazard to be considered. I think most people whether a pet owner or not, would become irate if a dog relieved itself on their lawn.
I would ask all dog owners to heed the words of this resident. It is only by working and living together in mutual harmony and showing respect for all people that we will truly mature as a community.
Like you, I am tired of the rain and I certainly hope the balance of the summer is much better. I also hope that you all have a wonderful and restful summer and please take care as you travel.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Page ID: 8131