City to enforce leash laws on trail
Failing to control a dog could net $100 fine; for those with no licence, it’s $250
City of Edmonton enforcement staff are launching a blitz to educate or fine dog owners who let their pets run off-leash on a central Edmonton bike path.
The effort targeting off-leash dogs on the shared-use path running alongside Westmount and into west Oliver is one of 276 special patrols the team carried out this year. It’s also one of the first to target the conflict between dog owners and cyclists.
The shared-use path runs down a former rail right-of-way near 122 Street and 107 Avenue. It’s beside an off-leash area, partially separated by a chain-link fence.
“Dogs come up unexpectedly and get aggressive,” said cyclist and Westmount resident Adam Bentley, whose 311 complaint earlier this week prompted the crackdown.
“They’re chasing, snarling, snapping at tires, fake charges ... and sometimes the dogs just bolt.”
Edmonton’s animal control team said dog owners are expected to leash their dogs outside off-leash areas, and still keep them under control even when off leash.
Cyclists are expected to ring their bells before passing anyone on the shared-use path. “So they’re not spooking the pet owners and dogs,” said Trena MacGillivray, acting co-ordinator for animal care and control.
“Officers will be following up in the area. If we go 10 times and we don’t find anything, we’ll re-evaluate,” she said. Officers started patrols Wednesday and will continue for the next few weeks.
The fine for failing to control a dog in an off-leash area or failing to leash a dog outside those boundaries is $100. Officers also check for pet licences, MacGillivray said. Failing to licence a pet is a $250 fine.
MacGillivray added that her team doesn’t get many complaints specific to shared-use paths and dog owner-cyclist conflicts.
But when Bentley posted his experience to Facebook, several people shared their own stories.
Coreen Shewfelt was attacked by a dog while biking in Mill Creek three weeks ago. She received a nasty bruise and teeth marks, even through layers of thick winter fleece, and now has a new level of anxiety as she bikes. She now carries an air horn for defence.
Doug Walton was riding with his wife in Terwillegar Park when he was attacked by an aggressive dog. The dog bit him several times while the owner did nothing but suggested this was an off-leash park where bikes were not wanted, he said.
“This incident clearly identified that we have a serious problem that needs to be addressed,” said Walton, calling for respect both ways.
Those who own dogs and cycle said there are plenty of cyclists acting like jerks, too.
“It’s amazing how many people zoom by my 80-pound dog going super fast with no bell. Honestly, if you hit her, that’s going to hurt you, too,” said cyclist Molly MacDougall.
“Slow down and relax,” added dog owner and cyclist Trevor Lestage.
“It’s a city we all live in and share. Why not just be mindful and keep peace.”