Disregarding off-leash rules pose dangers to humans, animals
Dog ownership includes feeding, grooming and obtaining veterinary care, but part of being a responsible dog owner also includes following rules for pet owners set out by your community. There are rules and bylaws in all Nova Scotia counties that require dogs to be leashed outside of off-leash designated areas. However, a large number of dog owners are not following these requirements.
Public places have leash laws in place for a good reason. These spaces should be made enjoyable and safe for all who choose to visit. However, when there are dogs running off leash, trouble can arise. A fear of dogs is common, and can hinder an individual’s experience if there is an offleash dog in the area. It can also create an uneasy feeling if young children are in an area with off leash, unknown dogs.
Off-leash dogs can also be a huge risk to other dogs that are on leash in the area. Occasionally, dogs that are in public spaces on a leash may be reactive, aggressive or fearful to off-leash dogs invading their space. This can cause a dangerous situation with no easy way to control the offleash dog.
As well as a danger to the public, off-leash dogs can be a danger to themselves. Without the control of a leash, these dogs are getting involved with wild animals, commonly porcupines. This can be an expensive and painful mistake. They also have the ability to eat garbage while running large that could cause toxicity or gastrointestinal upset. If instincts or fear takes over, they can also become lost, have an accident if they get into roadways, and of course, cause distress to other animals in the area.
To offer owners the chance to provide off leash time for their dog, there are designated off-leash areas in most communities. This includes dog parks and, in some places such as Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley, a system of off-leash walking trails at The Reservoir. Signs are typically placed to inform owners of areas that are off-leash zones. This also gives allows the public to enter at their own risk, knowing that off-leash dogs are present.
If owners are not following these rules, regardless of recall and training that the dog has, they are putting their dog and others at risk. Letting the dog off leash in public areas is going against the county bylaw and can result in financial penalties.
Everyone deserves to enjoy public spaces within their community. By keeping dogs leashed and under control in these areas, everyone can relax and respect the shared space.
Laura Gauthier is a veterinary assistant at Central Nova Animal Hospital in Bible Hill and an aspiring veterinarian. With a love of all animals, large and small, she is dedicated to sharing the joy and magic that animals bring.