Unleashed Dogs

[Oscar_Leroy]

I was walking through the park earlier today with two of my dogs. During I saw four dogs, none of which were leashed. The city has a by-law against unleashed dogs which clearly states:


(1) No person shall cause or permit a dog owned by that person to run at large in the city of Sault Ste. Marie

(2) For the purpose of this section, a dog shall be deemed running at large:

• When found in any place other than the premises of the owner of the dog not on a leash six feet or less in length held by the owner

As the by-law is very clear on this subject, I don't understand why dog owners fail to follow it.

Even if you claim your dog is trained well enough to be off leash in public, you can't predict the actions of other dogs your unleashed dog approaches. I for one cannot guarantee that if approached by an unleashed dog during a walk, my dog would not act in an aggressive manner. My dogs are well socialized, but if they think any other dog is a threat to me or my wife, they will do what they think is best to defend us, as they should. I also cannot promise that if a loose dog approaches my dog resulting in confrontation that I would not act in an aggressive manner to protect my dog.

It is irresponsible and plain rude to ignore a by-law when it is clearly to protect the pets as well as the general public.

If you can't take two minutes required to leash a dog before a walk, then you shouldn't own one.

[GRUMPY]

which park were you in?

[Oscar_Leroy]

Bellevue park. Sorry, forgot to mention that.

[GRUMPY]

I was just wondering which as there are some parks in town that have been historically leash free to a certain level a prime example of that would be Fort Creek or the Canal area where it is normal to see dogs running free and generally having a blast too bad people couldn't get along more like dogs. While it isn't legal it is still done by the vast majority of people seeing the area is so large that theres plenty of room for everybody. While I see nothing wrong with it in these areas I do agree with you that at that park they should be on a leash both for their safety and that of others. Personally I won't take mine there as I feel that it isn't safe for him with all that goose crap in and around the water.

[Broken]

The laws the law grumpy. just cause you don't agree with it or follow it doesn't make it right. all dogs should be on a leash everywhere in this city.

[Craig Huckerby]

Though I agree with having dogs on a leash in a busy park, I see nothing wrong with having a dog off the leash for a period of time to get some real exercise - it's good for the dogs and also less aggressive if two dogs meet while on a leash.

[GRUMPY]

if you reread my post you'll see I'm not against leashing dogs however there are times and places where I don't. just like jay walking is a crime yet everyone does it. To me if you are the only one around for as far as you can see what is the harm? Mind you I would never do it with a dog that wasn't trained and would do as they were told. Too many people are out there with dogs that they think that they can control but honestly they don't have a clue.

[GRUMPY]

Though I agree with having dogs on a leash in a busy park, I see nothing wrong with having a dog off the leash for a period of time to get some real exercise - it's good for the dogs and also less aggressive if two dogs meet while on a leash.

Very true I've seen far more dog fights between dogs that are on a leash than those that are running free. Actually "most" dogs are very excited to meet other dogs while they are free and once they have determined that the other is friendly a game will almost always break out, too bad we can't learn from our dogs. But the main thing is you have to be able to control your dog.

[kitca]

Very true I've seen far more dog fights between dogs that are on a leash than those that are running free. Actually "most" dogs are very excited to meet other dogs while they are free and once they have determined that the other is friendly a game will almost always break out, too bad we can't learn from our dogs. But the main thing is you have to be able to control your dog.

i agree with both of you. i wouldnt bring my dogs to bellview park unleashed, it is far too public. however, other areas that are 'unofficially' unleashed are fine.

it is a city bylaw, not a criminal law. and how many of us break laws every day? speeding, rolling stops, jay walking, walking on a red light,... .... it goes on and on.

[GRUMPY]

speaking of that it was nice to see your dogs again as I hadn't seen them in ages, that Honey sure has a name that totally describes her to a tee.it was nice to see the three of our dogs running and playing and just having a great time.

[GoldDogs]

Bellevue park is NOT a dog park. I was dissapointed when I took Harley there because so many dogs were off the leash. Between kids, adults, cars, ducks, birds, geese and dogs, Bellevue is WAY too busy for me. I take my dog to the park and take him off the leash. But if I see another dog I put him back on it, or if I see too many people. Although the park I take him to is huge so there isn't ever a problem.

So, I can understand Oscar's point. There is etiquette that should be followed. However, there is nothing as beautiful as watching a dog run in an open field, so happy and free. I couldn't imagine not giving my dog the chance to do that once in a while (like every day lol)

[GRUMPY]

I totally agree with you,however after awhile going to the same park you get to know the dogs and their owners so it gets to be one happy family. The only time I will put Bandit on a leash is if I see a strange dog coming our way or young kids. Mind you 99.999% of the time the strange dogs just want somebody to play with. Bellevue is way to busy and too small for my liking.

[daffyduck]

I always leash my dog, but what about cats? Is there a law for roaming cats? If there isn't, there should be, they are more of a nuisance than any dog.

[Peety]

Bellevue park is NOT a dog park. I was dissapointed when I took Harley there because so many dogs were off the leash. Between kids, adults, cars, ducks, birds, geese and dogs, Bellevue is WAY too busy for me. I take my dog to the park and take him off the leash. But if I see another dog I put him back on it, or if I see too many people. Although the park I take him to is huge so there isn't ever a problem.

So, I can understand Oscar's point. There is etiquette that should be followed. However, there is nothing as beautiful as watching a dog run in an open field, so happy and free. I couldn't imagine not giving my dog the chance to do that once in a while (like every day lol)

I love watching mine in the fields,
I am so glad I do not have to tie my dogs.

[corn316]

if u see a dog that is losse but is well trained and doesnt wonder away from thgeir owner then why cry about it if they are missed behaved and just do what ever then do so do i trust my dogs of the leash no but i had one that i could walk into a mall and have no problems with and stayed at mi side but with better trainning i will be able to do it with 2 of my dogs

[sereenie]

i see no problem letting ur dog run without a leash in like a bushy area or even a park if no ones around, or if ur dog behaves... LOL i keep mine on a leash because its like talking to a brick wall he will run off. but as long as ur dog doesnt bug mine i could care less..i mean how are they supposued to play ball or fetch if there attched to a dang leash no fun..

[GRUMPY]

very true

[GRUMPY]

The only troubles I've ever seen has been with dogs that are leashed ,those who are free roaming don't seem to have any reason to fight, I guess they are just too happy being free. Mind you there is always some kind of scrap going on at first but they seem to settle things in a hurry as not to cut into their play time. Most of the time its all bluff on their parts,hell I even heard Bandit growl the other day at another dog during a play/fight where the other dog was trying to intimidate him and he refused to be. I was so happy to see that side of him,a year ago he would have actually been on his back in a heart beat. Running free once properly trained is very good for the mental health of the dog as long as the owner has some form of control of it.

[EyelashExtensions]

Well apparently my 5 month old girl cannot be unleashed! Our other dogs run freely in the yard when we are their to supervise but my new girl just tried to fight with our neighbors dog. She originally wanted to play till they showed teeth and then she started to get aggressive! I'm going to socialize her more with a leash on, but she definitely has no fear!

[Muse]

The city tried to come to set up an off-leash park. But the people who demanded it refused to consider a compromise on location, and the people that don't let their dogs off leash all figured they wouldn't speak up because they think it doesn't effect them. The consequence of that is people letting their dogs off leash at public parks, and it effects everybody. The bed was made, and now we're laying in it.

There are TONS of places to take your dogs that aren't known for having people leaving their dogs off leash. I would know, I don't allow my dog off leash in the city, so I don't bring him where I know there will be loose dogs. The law might be the law, but it's not being enforced, and complaining about it on a forum isn't helping anything.