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Unleashed dog ruins walk in the woods - T. Barrett

One of northerners’ favourite winter pastimes is going for walks in the bush. It’s so peaceful and quiet, and it’s nice to get back to nature. However, irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs run at large are ruining this.
One of northerners’ favourite winter pastimes is going for walks in the bush. It’s so peaceful and quiet, and it’s nice to get back to nature. However, irresponsible dog owners who let their dogs run at large are ruining this.

It is becoming an almost daily occurrence, having a run-in with a loose dog.
The latest occurrence happened on Saturday afternoon. A large dog came barrelling towards me on the trail, jumping at me, took my hand in its mouth, and stood sideways in front of me, blocking the trail.

Whenever I’d try to take a step forward, it would growl at me. A few minutes later, the owners appeared in sight. I yelled to them to call their dog back, which they did. A few seconds later, the dog started running towards me again. I yelled again for them to call their dog back and leash it.

The woman called out “Don’t worry, he’s friendly.” I replied “Your dog just had my hand in its mouth, so don’t tell me he’s friendly.”

She then told her husband to leash the dog. As I approached the couple, she told me that when the dog does that, he’s playing. I cannot believe the attitude of some dog owners.

This letter will serve to remind all dog owners that they are responsible for their dogs. They are to be in control of their dogs at all times.

The bush areas within the city limits are subject to animal control bylaw #2002-285, which specifically states “In Greater Sudbury, you are not permitted to allow your pet to roam free. You must keep your pet leashed and under control when venturing off your own property.”

Please be considerate of others, and don’t assume that everyone loves dogs or enjoys strange dogs jumping and barking at them. Please clean up after your pet also. There’s nothing worse than a pile of dog excrement sitting on the walking trails.

We all enjoy our winter walks, and irresponsible dog owners ruin it for everyone.

T. Barrett
Greater Sudbury

Posted by Vivian Scinto