District bylaw handled 202 cases related to off-leash dogs in one year in Squamish.
In a response to a local resident, Acting GM of Community Services Dan Pagley said the bylaw officials had 202 cases filed from September 2020 to September 2021 related to off-leash dogs.
Pagley said local animal control officers also worked in conjunction with conservation officers on an education campaign regarding conflicts between off-leash dogs and bears.
The team was able to connect with 137 walkers and hikers with unleashed dogs in the Wildlife Management Area, Pagley said.
The district is also inviting residents to fill a survey to collect feedback on a new list of proposed pilot locations in Squamish for off-leash dogs.
Two categories of locations are being proposed:
Off-leash areas will incorporate the natural habitat and have open areas suitable for ball throwing and socializing.
Off-leash trails will allow dogs to run and get exercise over a greater distance with their owners.
The survey ends on October 12.
The district is also considering factors such as the community’s growth, increase in number of dogs in the community, wildlife encounters, and the need for conserving sensitive environments.
It plans to do a full review of the Animal Control Bylaw in 2022 as part of the ongoing work on off-leash dogs.
