Email from Jessica Scott Re: Dog Park fenced area
Public feedback opposing the potential fencing of the off-leash dog area at View Royal Dog Park.
From: Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 2:10 PM To: Info Address info@viewroyal.ca Subject: Dog Park fenced area
Hello,
I was walking my dog around the View Royal Dog Park when a woman with her dogs approached us to talk about how much my partner and I enjoy using the off leash section of the park. It was a funny coincidence as my partner and I were just talking about how we dislike another dog park as it is fenced in and dog owners can get lazy with the control of their dogs if they know they can't escape.
We were shocked to hear that View Royal was considering to fence the off leash dog area. In past experience with fenced in areas owners get lazy, they don't have to control their dogs, they don't police bad behaviour such as dominance displays, humping, biting, and don't follow their dogs to clean up after them.
I was told it was to help rehabilitate the creek and vegetation. I personally don't let my dog go down there in the summer at all as it turns into a hot mud bath that smells. I'd much rather see the creek fenced off and signs posted much like the Esquimalt council has done with the Saxe Point park to help rejuvenate foliage that has been disrupted by pedestrian use.
In conclusion I'd hate to see a park that allows people to enjoy off leash areas with their dogs and families ruined.
Sincerely Jessica Scott