get the gawd damn dogs out of the city! their poop is too much

Is this really a “battle?” Do we really have to have a “fight” about this? Is this SUCH a big deal? Are people really SO angry? Are there really hordes of uncontrolled dogs out trying to lick a terrified Ms Benndorf? Sigh…

Aaron Jasper chair of the parks board is working very closely with animal control to harass and abuse dog owners ecspecially in the West End. They have undercover animal control officers working as park rangers(Andrew Nolan). They also have park rangers running around getting people’s names who they see with off leash dogs and then give them a warning but then call John Gray the assistant manager who was promoted to this position in 2009 after a long history working with the parks board. His last job was overseeing the park ranger program. He will check to see if these dogs are licensed or not and if not, they pay a visit to these people at a later date claiming their records show the dog isn’t licensed and fine them $250. This is a violation of privacy rights and the law.
John Gray is also a founding member of the Stanley Park Ecology Society, a group that is anti dog and doesnt think dogs should be in any parks. He is now using his position at animal control to further his bird loving cause and abuse dog owners with the full support of Vision Vancouver.
I was harassed in a very aggressive manner by Andrew Nolan on January 14, 2011. It was raining, there was no one around so I let my dogs off their leash to chase a ball. He comes driving down right on to the seawall and begins yelling at me telling me to leash my dogs. Park rangers have no legal authority to ticket dog owners or get their names. I complained about him to his supervisor
Jan 21, 2011 she assured me that he had been dealt with, that my concern was taken seriously and was thanked for bringing this matter to their attention.
March 3-2011- Jasper hits the media wave, slamming dog owners, blaming us, he wants stricter enforcement and higher fines. He wants park rangers to be able ticket dog owners like they can people caught smoking. I was furious at his comments.
March 4, 2011- I send an email to Jasper and the other park board commissioners. I was very critical of Jasper and gave sufficient evidence proving the parks board was the problem not dog owners.
March 10, 2011- I get a visit from animal control claiming their records show my dogs werent licensed. I refuse to license my dogs because this money does not go towards off leash areas as it claims.
I was not letting this go as I knew the parks board was behind this.
I learned that Aaron Jasper gave my personal and confidential information(my name) to the very park ranger that I had complained about, copmromising my safety and violating my privacy rights. He did this with the sole purpose to harass, abuse and cause me harm which is also a violation of the City of Vancouver’s corporate policy code of conduct bylaw.
I disputed that ticket and they didnt like it so on April 15, 2011- animal control submitted 5 more by law offences to the city prosecutor’s office- 2 dog off leash -2 dog off leash on a beach and 1 dog not licensed.
The job of animal control is to deal with irresponsible dog owners who have aggressive dogs, problem dogs, not to harass responsible dog owners. Letting my dogs run around a deserted beach on a rainy day for a few moments is not worth wasting taxpayers money trying to prosecute me with no chance of winning either based on the facts here. And John Gray and his staff [libellous material removed]. Malcom Bromley manger of parks board and Penny BAllem are all protecting Aaron Jasper and this guy is a snake and is the type of person who should never be in a position of power as he abuses it and abuses others for his own personal gain.
And he is currently lying to the public to such extremes re: this issue trying to gain the votes of both dog owners and dog haters. He is the reason I don’t vote- he is a [libellous material removed] politican with self serving motives.

And the recent report done by parks board staff re: the vision of off leash dog parks in this city was done without any public consultation whatsoever. It is not our vision to be forced to take our dogs to small fenced in gravel pits like Nelson Park which Jasper had a hand in also. This used to be a large grassy field and when the park received renovations, we were promised a new and improved off leash dog park and got this horrible spot instead and many dog owners stopped going there. Jasper and the current park board have done absolutely nothing for dog owners except defame them, violate their privacy rights, abuse and harass them. Vision wants to ban dogs from all park/beaches like they did with smoking so they can use as a source of revenue. This is the most corrupt, deceitful political party in the history of this city. Jasper should be forced to step down immediately and be charged for criminal harassment. And there is going to be a class action lawsuit against the City and this criminal for his abuse.

What does higher licensing compliance have to do with the safety of the public? Absolutely nothing. Animal control operates off of licensing fees and impounding charges and tickets issued. This is the only reason this city wants us to license our dogs, to pay for this place that does nothing but harass and abuse responsible dog owners. Dog enforcement has nothing to do with this issue- the fact that there are ony 35 off leash dog areas and 145, 000 dogs is. And only 16 of those 35 areas are full time, the rest are time restricted. There has only been 4 new off leash areas created in 13 years. This has to do with the parks board refusing to carry out its mandate and provide services for groups that desperately need them. The current bylaw is so unrealistic and unreasonable that it could be challenged in a court of law. And Dave Pasin you used to work for animal control so you wont be gaing the votes of dog owners. Until this city provides large, pleasant off leash parks/beach spaces like Ambleside has then it is going to see dogs off leash and we will fight back re: stricter enforcement because we are taxpayers also and have rights. The only thing this city needs to solve this problem is more off leash areas, not fenced in gravel pits. But that would cut into the extra revenue this city is generating from ticketing dog owners wouldn’t it??

There was $100,000 approved by the taxpayers for the 2009-2011 capital plan budget to create more off leash dog areas.

In 2009 $20,000 was used to fence Devonian Park . Where is the remaining $80,000?? The park board refused to tell me. But recently Jasper told the media this money went towards new signs to educate dog owners. This is not how we wanted this money spent and we don’t need education, we just need more off leash areas.
Devonian Park was first brought before the board way back in 2005. And so was an off leash area in Stanley Park. They were about to get final approval by the board but the election came and Cope lost so these areas were put on the back burner.
In 2009 they were brought before Jasper and his vision board again. 4 yrs later Devonian finally gets approved. However, the original space was ten times bigger and Vision reduced it to a third. You have to run across a very busy bike path to get in there and if your dog loves water, you can’t go as the other side is where the boats dock and the water is polluted and gross.
The one in Stanley Park was highly recommended by staff to accomodate the large number of dog owners living in the West End but it was denied. Why?? Because the Stanley Park Ecology Society( John Gray, assistant manager of animal control is one of the founders of this group) didnt approve so neither did the board. They claimed environmental concerns even though the staff had found no such concerns back in 2005 or in 2009. This is a conflict of interest also that Gray is involved with both places.

There are only 2 off leash areas in the West End and this hasnt changed since 1998 except for the small dog area added in 2005. Nelson Park and a beach area under the Burrard St. Bridge. Both areas are unsafe and unhealthy. Sunset Beach one doesnt even exist when the tide is in. The boats gas up right across from it at a gas station, the ferries for granville island dock right next to it, the water is polluted with gas and oil, dogs get sick swimming in there and there is too much boat traffic making it unsafe.
Nelson Park is a fenced in gravel pit that cuts up dogs paws if they run around on it and the place just sucks period.
There has been a need for more off leash areas in the West End since 1997 and only 2 approved since 1998 so this city has no right harassing dog owners in the west end. There are aproximately 2000 dogs that live in apartments or condos here which means we either own them paying high property tax or we are paying higher rents to have our dogs yet we are not allowed to enjoy our parks/beaches with our dogs. All the parks boards so far since the party that created the off leash dog program in 1997 have done nothing to improve it. They promote animal abuse and want us to keep our dogs cooped up in apartments all day. They want us to keep our dogs on leashes which does not allow dogs to properly socialize which creates aggressive dogs. The law clearly states that we must provide our dogs with adequate exercise to keep them healthy mentally and physically but the city is telling us we cant do this and if we do we are fined $250. Studies have shown that apartment dogs are the best trained and most well behaved and the reasons for this are obvious. It is summer again and every year I am so frustrated and angered. I come home in tears most days because I want to go and let my dogs run around and enjoy the day with me but there is no where that I can take them “legally”. I look at my dogs and my heart breaks that I am being forced to keep them inside my apartment when we should be down at the beach swimming. It is very wrong, it is unacceptable and stricter enforcement has nothing to do with any thing.
My friend was at a nearby little park around 8:30pm with her 12 year old dog off leash. No one was there. Animal control shows up, gets very aggressive with her and follows her home for blocks and tresspasses on her private property following her into the underground parking lot to give her a $250 ticket for her dog being off leash. She felt concerned for her safety and was furious at the blatant harassment. She is disputing this ticket.
This is how animal control treats dog owners and this is why they are despised. My puppy was almost killed by a pitbull and I emailed them a complaint. I wanted them to go and talk to this young woman and give the dog a muzzle order. I had admitted I was at an area that was not off leash where it occured. They insisted on coming to take photos of my puppy and I said I didnt want them to, I didnt want her dog destroyed I just wanted them to give her a muzzle order as it was a pitbull and she was someone who should not have one. They told me they couldn’t do anything unless I let them come and take photos. What they wanted to do was ticket me $250 for me having my dog off leash at an area that wasn’t. They did not even go talk to this person and as I learned this dog had attacked several dogs in the neighborhood. So I am sorry animal control is a complete joke and I think they should be replaced by the SPCA. At least the SPCA has discounted hospital rates, free neutering and spaying for low income people and this place thrives off of donations only every year. I would be more than happy to license my dogs with them and they treat people like human beings and dont view dog owners as a source of revenue to pay their wages.
Kits has the highest compliance rate for licensing dogs 21oo+ but only has one off leash area to accomodate them. The current park board blew off a petition brought to them with over 400 names for another off leash area. So the city doesnt reward you either if you license your dog.
People are just truly fed up. Dog owners are used as political pawns and are lied to by politicians to get our votes who then screw us big time. We spend hours and alot of energy creating petitions that jus get tossed in the trash, the board lies about public consultation results for proposed areas and denies them. We have tried everything, there is nothing more we can do except sue the city and form a group like the critical bike mass and take over the beaches and parks once a month – it worked for them, they got their bike lanes that they dont even use.
And I have asked Jasper why it is okay for men to go into certain trails in stanley park, located right across from the childrens playground and have sex in there 24 hrs a day but a person cant walk their dogs off leash in there. He refused to give me an answer. And I am certain that parents would be appalled to learn that this sort of activity is going on right across from the playground that their kids are playing at.

@ Traysea. Numerous times in your many rants you mention you or a ‘friend’ unleashing your dogs because ‘nobody was around. I have to ask; if you are in a store and nobody is watching do you feel entitled to place something in your pocket? Do you feel laws are only applicable if you are being monitored? I really could care less about this debate, just like to read Frances’ blog from time to time, but I find your ‘me first’ attitude quite incredible.

1. Dog owners are not irresponsible because they want to give their dogs exercise to keep them happy and healthy both physically and mentally. Not to mention, the law also requires this. The city can’t have it both ways and I am going to choose to obey the law that has my dogs best interests not the city’s bank account.
2. The reason I let my dogs off leash when no one is around is because I am responsible and respectful of other people and I don’t let them run around crowded beaches or parks. That reason was quite obvious. How you saw it as a “me first” attitude is comical? And I find this current bylaw unreasonable so I am not obeying it. Some laws are just so unreasonable that they must be broken. I live in an apartment in a very busy part of town and there have never been any complaints about me or my 2 large dogs so I am doing just fine. And, I have never stolen anything in my life
4. But when I open the morning paper to read that this city is going to start handing out free crack pipes now to crackheads as this is the current drug of choice which is illegal and doing drugs is illegal and that the heroin junkies will still have their own special place to go to and shoot up drugs which are illegal yet dog owners can’t get off leash areas to go to, I am even more determined to break this bylaw. Dog owners pay taxes, buy property, contribute to the community and we are criminals and fined for trying to provide proper care for our dogs.
5. Come down to the West End on a Sunday morning when all the cyclists are out on their large group rides and watch as the all speed through red lights, cut people off, do whatever the hell they want yet if that was a car, the driver would be fined big time.
6. I have actively tried to get changes re: the off leash area, I have taken on the parks boards, news stories have been done, disturbing facts have been reported and I have never had any park board member stoop as low as Aaron Jasper and retaliate against me because I dared to criticise him and his outrageous comments to the media about dog owners. As a citizen of this city I have every right to make a complaint without the fear that the politician I am complaining about is going to abuse his position and abuse me and maliciously harass me which is a violation of many laws.
If I have to break the law to ensure my dogs are not being abused and are being given proper exercise then so be it. Believe me, I would prefer to take my dogs to an off leash park. It is great for them, they get to run around with other dogs, stay socialized, I meet great people, I have a good time, I am not “breaking the law”. And 99% of dog owners feel the same way. But when there are no off leash dog areas to take them to then we have no choice.
Dog enforcment is for the dog owners who don’t pick up after their dogs, who let their dogs bark non stop all day, who let their dogs attack other dogs, who let their dogs run around on busy beaches bothering others. That is what it is for- it is not to harass and abuse the responsible ones. And we are not irresponible if we let our dogs off leash if we have them under control.
And parents who are crying about safety concerns- The fact that they wish to take their kids to the playground and gossip with the other parents rather than supervise their children is not a matter of safety- its a matter of being a responsible parent. And there has been no evidence whatosever produced by any of these parents claiming dogs are a threat to their children and public safety. I have seen the way animal control keeps their statistics and its a joke. Definately not ones that could be relied on.
And for a department that is always claiming they are so short staffed and underfunded, they spared no expense in their quest to harass me. They visited my last known address where I had not lived in 4 yrs, demanded entry into the building to discuss me and my dogs with god knows who and try to obtain my current address. When that didnt work John Gray called the VPD portraying me as some criminal which is defamation and then requested my current address in his capacity as “crown counsel”. This guy is not a lawyer, he has no legal authority to practice law in this city or anywhere for that matter so how does he think he can do anything in the capacity of crown counsel. They then drove over to see Andrew Nolan and get his report re: the jan 14, 2011 incident which had been written to try to cover his ass re: all my complaints about him. No where in these animal control reports does it mention that I filed a complaint about him and that he was dealt with accordingly. No where does it say that he is acutally an animal control officer also. All this energy and expense wasted just to show me that Aaron Jasper isnt one to mess with. Unfortunately for Jasper and animal control they picked the wrong person to mess with and their plan backfired right in their face. And it will definately cost him votes this year I assure you of that.
It is blatant harassment when animal control officers are out targeting dog owners who are in a deserted park – that my friend is not enforcing the law- its a money grab. And we have been lobbying the parks board for years for more off leash areas, challenging the current bylaws in court will be next as Vision Vancouver has gone to far

I love dogs, but don’t like off leash dogs (they run at you, jump up on you — I don’t let me kids do that!) and that’s why we have rules in the city. People like Traysea are the reason the 95% of other dog owners are painted with such an unpleasant brush — such an attitude of entitlement and victimization! Jeesh, lady, play by the rules and EARN the respect. Stop complaining about the system. Get your dogs licenced. I don’t care how many people are around, LEASH YOUR DOG or move to the country. It is not a political issue, it is one of simple manners and following the rules. Chances are excellent you are not respectful of the rules, or polite if someone reminds you of the leash rules. GET A DOG LICENCE, LEASH YOUR EFFING DOG, AND STOP MOUTHING OFF AND NAME CALLING.

@ Dave Pasin, #10 – I agree, particularly with “It is being politicized for no real reason other than to antogonize and pit people against each other.” (Though I might cynically add “and to sell newspapers”! 🙂 )

Dave Pasin

I hate to tell you but in 2005 the NPA targeted dog owners for our votes after Cope amended the animal control bylaw increasing fines from $25 to $250 to name a few.

We were promised the world by the NPA. More off leash dog parks, beach access, reduced fines. The NPA claimed these amendments punished responsible dog owners and were not fair. Well the NPA got our votes, thousands of them. And then they did absolutely nothing for us, they did not carry through on even one of their promises.

What they did do is Ian Robertson thought a dog task force was a good idea even though this issue had been highly debated already when the announcement to increase fines came and the lack of off leash areas was the problem. So they wasted $40,000.00 forming this group, allowed Elizabeth Wilkinson, one of the biggest dog haters in this city to be on it and a year later it dissolved as no one could agree on anything and for the remainder of the NPA term they did nothing re: off leash dogs. Ian Robertson is on the board again for his second term and again has done absolutely nothing to carry through all those promises the NPA made to dog owners back in 2005. So the trust is gone there already and the fact that you are a former animal control officer is already as strike against you.

Vision Vancouver will hopefully be wiped out in the next election but may win as the NPA has that ditz Suzanne Anton running for mayor. She also sat on the parks board back in 2005 and so did Heather Deal and they sabatoged a 400 name petition for an off leash dog beach in english bay and lied about the results from the public consultation. I ordered these through the FOIPPA so I can verify this. These same people back then stated they realized there was a need for more off leash areas downtown yet none have been created. Loretta Woodcock is serving her 3rd term on the parks board and she has done nothing

And this is exactly what happens every time an election nears. Dog owners become political pawns, one party is for them one against but its always the dog owners that lose in the end.

So it is at the point now that we may have to take the law into our own hands on this one. Much is accomplished in large numbers. Every political party has disappointed us and screwed us so far. But Vision Vancouver takes the cake

The only party that has ever done anything for dog owners is the one that sat on the board back in 1997/1998 and spent alot of time, energy, public consultation to bring this program forward and then every party that has sat on that board since has destroyed it more and more with each passing year.
So when Jasper recently told the media that the parks board has worked very hard over the years to give dog owners off leash areas, he was again trying to take credit for something he had nothing to do with . 1998 was the last time anything positive was done and 4 new off leash dog parks in 13 yrs is appalling. And none were created by the Vision park board. The only thing he has worked hard at is secret meetings with city hall planning with animal control how to make money off of us by stricter enforcement.
And these anti dog people claiming to be part of these associations ect, ICARE has what 10 people, Wilkinson and her idiotic rants supported by no evidence whatsoever should be ignored and the evidence showing that there are 150,000+ dog owners in this city are the people that need to be heard.
The people who have been running this city since 1999 are the ones responsible for all the animosity that exists re: this issue because they do pit us against each other rather than do anything positive to resolve it. Enforcement has nothing to do with it. We don’t need any more studies done, public consultations done, this has all been done over and over again. And it always remains the same- We just need more space- its that simple.
And how arrogant of the current parks board to plan the future of off leash dog areas without even consulting the public- that is unacceptable and is a fine example showing they do things they want to do and how they want to do it- they dont care what the public wants.
Their vision is to fill any green space with community gardens and wheat fields and bike lanes of course

@Traysea, flo-di-doh, et al

I can’t speak for previous Boards, Board members or their actions.

What I can tell you (or promise if you wish) is that I will listen to all sides and keep an open mind. Not all will be satisfied but I can assure you I WON’T pit people against each other.

I have my own ideas on what needs to be done and as a Commissioner. I will be looking for and work for better co-operation between the City Pound and Park Board as a start.

No this isn’t a revenue issue, it’s about ensuring people are reasonable in cleaning up after their pets and using common sense as to when and where pets should be off leash. (ie: leaving your dog off leash in crowded park with little or no supervision) A bit of moral suasion and being seen can go a long way to irresponsible dog owners cleaning up their act.

In addition, I can assure you I will work with fellow commissioners to consult with neighbourhoods and stakeholders (on both sides) to develop parks and facilities that work.

I have already been working with one group assisting them in developing a proposal for a fenced park on unused land that would accomodate big dogs , small dogs and mixed use area.

A bit of imagination, common sense and werewithall can go a long way.

Count me as someone that would like to see more off-leash parks, fenced or otherwise. I do not break the law though even though I have no off leash park anywhere within walking distance from my home. I made the decision to give up my car and because of that I now keep my dog on leash and obey the rules. I even have a license for my dog, plus I even pick up other peoples dog shit as I don’t like dog owners getting a bad name (although many deserve it). This thread certainly shows a lack of respect for the law that is so common in our society today.

My biggest issue I found was other dog owners. I had 2 large dogs (only one now) and the attitude from small dog owners at the off leash park we used to go to was disgusting. They would pick up their little dogs and leave as soon as they saw our dogs. Do they think we would bring viscious dogs to a park? It became so disheartning that we just stopped going althogether , and our dogs lost out due to the inablity of some owners to share.

Jaime that was a wonderfully crafted reply. Hear hear. Good on you.

As the co-chair of the False Creek Residents Association I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Bromley, Comm. Jasper, Comm. Barnes and Comm. Robertson as well as Park Board staff in our continued efforts to provide community amenities for the ever enlarging community of False Creek inclusive of South and South East False Creek, Citygate, Crosstown and Yaletown. This includes securing the large 10 acre Creekside Park ( which will most likely include an off leash dog area), usable recreational areas for youth, a proposed sports arena/community space/daycare. I have currently been part of a planning group for NEFC and have also participated in a meeting with Park Board Comm Barnes , dog and non-dog owners and engineering staff to secure an off leash dog area in a little used area under the viaduct adjacent to the Carrall St greenway. We try to make our efforts positive rather than the negative diatribe exhibited here by “Traysea” who is clearly out of line verging on the ridiculous with the same sense of entitlement and rage exhibited by out of control youth on June 15th. I agree with Paul and Jaime that it is time to take back our park space for EVERYONE not just angry off leash dog owners who allow their dogs to run roughshod over children, picnic blankets and playgrounds. I recently observed two adults walking along the seawall near the Creekside meadow with their dogs off leash. It was the first sunny Saturday in June with lots of people using the grass for impromptu picnics and games, spreading their blankets to sit on. One group of young Asian girls were lying down soaking up the sun when one of the off leash dogs raced over and peed on her and the blanket. The owner came over with a plastic bag to wipe the girl off but there was no word of apology. Welcome to a Vancouver Park.
I would also like to say that I don’t think that elected officials should have to be subjected to this kind of rage filled communication. They are elected to be respected and respectful and those that I have had the privilege of working with have been just that.

@UnagiDon: Give me a break, off-leash dogs that were never well trained by irresponsible owners (it’s just a small chihuahua, what harm could it do?) are obviously more dangerous to kids than a couple burnouts smoking pot. Potheads don’t bite scared kids.

I never had a dog growing up and frankly it took me a while in my late teens to get used to dealing with energetic dogs, it can be very frightening to kids, even if from your point of view the dog is harmless.

I am resolved now to start being “that asshole” that yells at people in parks for letting their dogs run around off leash. I was really surprised 2 weeks ago sitting in that new park in Yaletown across from the theater and seeing all the dogs running around off leash, right beside the designated “off-leash” area!

Sorry for rambling on, but the other thing that is completely annoying is yuppies who try to bring their dirty little mutts into Starbucks and the like. It is illegal to bring your dog into some place that serves food unless you are blind, is it so hard to understand?

if there are soooooo many dog owners that are breaking the offleash rule in vancouver….maybe that should speak for itself. Or do people think that we’re rebels who enjoy breaking the law? Like I said, I’d be happy with even one place close by that I could take my dog to socialize with other dogs and play under healthy circumstances…if there was one park like that in the west end…the general public could have all the other parks if that’s what you really want…..I’d think that we could do a little more to a species that does soooo much for us as a society but even with just one great park I’d be happy… and I’m sure a lot of dog owners will agree…..

I had a friend who lived downtown. He and I agreed that the gravel park was no dog park indeed. So he stopped taking his dog there and found other places to go to. Again, if the most convenient park for you to take your dog to isn’t ideal, find another solution. Everyone who owns a dog cannot live next to Spanish Banks. But everyone who owns a dog can take their furry friend there. That is just an example – there are ‘green’ off leash parks all over. What about Cooper’s Park? Or Sunset Beach? Or walking along the seawall? And if you have a car, the options are limitless.

I do think you should try to persuade the city to give the West End the park you want if you feel so strongly about it. But do it in a way that the parks board listens to you. Find a park you think would be suitable. Canvas the park for community opinion. Start a petition. Get the media interested in what you are doing. That is a positive way to procceed and one that might produce results. Complaining that dog owners should be allowed to do whatever they want in parks ‘just because’, with no facts, no backing and no organization accomplishes nothing.
Rallying a group to change things can.

Do you know the city was trying to fence in the off leash area in Charleson park and fill it with gravel? The park regualrs made sure all of the dog owners around knew about it. They got a group together, had meetings, got a petition and a facebook information page and guess what? The field is still green; no gravel in site. The politicians will listen if you go about it the right way.

Imagine if they did everything every citizen asked them to. Every time someone complained that they didn’t like the parking meter in front of their condo or the construction site across the street is too noisy they would have to shut down the buidling site and rip out the meter. They have to consider the greater good which means considering what is best for the largest amount of people. That is the way living in a democratic society works. And those who choose to live in this society have chosen to live with this way of life. Get to know your fellow dog owners. Find the ones that have the same concerns and MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN.

DO NOT BLAME EVERYONE ELSE. I just read a repost on craigslist about the animal control officers (and whoever posted that – you contradict yourself constantly so that what you are saying makes no sense) and there is far too much accusing and far to little taking responsibilty for ourselves.

Paul, you posted that if so many dog’s are illegally off leash doesn’t that say something? YES – that people are not responsible pet owners. My neighbourhood is filled with people who do not own leashes and tell me their dog is fine. Then their dog runs up and bites my dog on the leg. Or tries to mount my dog. Or runs into traffic – and might I add, the numerous times this has happened, it has been me who gets the dog off the street and not the owner. There are numerous off leash parks in my neighbourhood and yet people feel their dogs should be allowed to be ‘free’ (as one lady told me yesterday). That is unfair to everyone else and very selfish, not to mention dangerous, behaviour.

We have domesticated dogs so we do owe them. We owe it to them to train them properly so they can live in society with humans and all their rules. We owe it to them to give them the love and exercise and everything else they deserve. If our nearby park isn’t to their liking, we owe it to them to walk them on a leash to somewhere better. And then we owe it to them to try and effect change.

Paul @ 34: The fact that you, in apparent sincerity, can compare the plight of dog owners who have to obey the law (and by extension, their dogs) to the struggle for human rights fought by both of the other groups you mention is a clear indication that nothing else you say deserves serious consideration. It’s that kind of trivializing, disrespectful false equivalence that dooms most of what PETA says and does doomed to irrelevance – at least among those with any critical faculties.

re: comments. fascinating the high standards of obeying the rules & no exceptions that dog owners are held to, yet I wonder how stringently these same people obey the road rules while driving? Never go over 30 mph on main streets, never go through lights late (this can be very dangerous), always stop when pedestrians are at street corner even if there isn’t a crosswalk?. Not that there aren’t problems with dogs but as far as obeying rules, there is so much hypocrisy & self righteous stuff going on.. Less than perfect car driving habits are far more dangerous than an off leash dog on a rainy November in an empty park or beach. But we live in a society where people like to target others to make themselves feel morally superior & dog owners make easy targets.

Maybe we should say the same thing about your kids! I’ve had more unwanted kids jumping all over me more than dogs. And while we are at it we could we should ban all kids from parks. ( we all know they are the biggest cause of vandalism