Petition filed against regulation prohibiting dogs in Lachine public parks

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Lemessager - Par Robert Leduc

Lachine Borough prohibits dogs to roam in the parks and in the historical site of the Canal-de-Lachine administered by Parks Canada which, by virtue of a regulation adopted on May 4, 1993, “allows dogs to roam anywhere in Canada provided the dogs have leashes that extend to a maximum of three meters or are harnessed”.
In this context, a petition containing more than 580 signatures against the regulations covering dogs in Lachine’s public parks was filed on November 13 during the monthly meeting of Borough Council.

The ones who drafted the petition confirm that the “Borough puts up signs that goes against the regulation currently in effect and enforced by Parks Canada; Lachine wishes to obtain from Parks Canada the authorization to be exempted from its regulation currently in effect relating to historical canals in order to prohibit dogs from roaming there.”

According to Paul Bourque, one of the spokespersons for the signatories, “the residents of Lachine Borough request that the regulation concerning dogs should be drafted instead as follows: “Outside of its occupational unit, the dog owner must retain his dog while taking a stroll with a leash measuring a maximum of two meters, while strolling, being in the park or in an area that is not fenced. The dog owner must have in his/her possession at least a bag to collect the excrement of the dog and to dispose of it properly.”

“When the response of the City tells dog owners of those areas where dogs are allowed, these areas are only mentioned in other cities in which dogs are allowed to exercise in areas without a leash”, says Paul Bourque.

Moreover, the signatories of the petition state, “a few municipal jurisdictions allow dogs to roam freely: Dorval, Mont-Royal, Rimouski, Yamachiche, Neuville, Vancouver, Boston, Manitoba, etc. The only difference in their regulation is the length of the dog leash: from 1.5 m to 3 m. Even the City of Montreal allows the presence of dogs in open, public parks. In several areas, disposal containers for bags containing dog excrement are available.”

“My opinion is that regulations are necessary because not everyone has a sense of civic duty,” added Mr. Bourque. So instead of making up for this problem, the resident is punished for respecting his fellow neighbors and his community. I believe it is easy to see if a dog is under control by his master when it has a leash. As for the excrement, why not issue an infraction to any dog owner who does not carry a bag with him?” Paul Bourque said.

[rottielover]

That is right next to my house , ok 10 mins from me