The City of Nanaimo has put out some pet safety reminders days after a puppy was killed by an unleashed dog.
On Aug. 30, Lynette Hleck’s puppy Fern was attacked by a larger unleashed dog on a Nanaimo trail. Fern later died at a vet’s office and Hleck has asked the owner to come forward.
The city’s animal control services say they will do an investigation once they are able to speak to the owner.
Now, Animal Control is reminding dog owners of their responsibilities when it comes to owning a dog or recreating a dog within city limits.
“While some owners may be confident in their ability to control their dogs, a recent dog attack illustrates the importance of keeping them on a leash at all times on public property,” David LaBerge, Nanaimo manager of community safety, said in a statement.
“Not only are you showing you care about your dog by following these rules, you are showing your neighbours and fellow citizens you care about them and their beloved pets.”
The city says dog owners must maintain control of their dogs at all times when in a public setting, including parks, trails, in neighbourhoods and any other place the public may gather.
Dogs must remain on a leash in public places with the exception of off-leash areas.
In addition to the leash bylaw, dog owners are also responsible for:
- Licensing any dog over the age of three months residing in the City of Nanaimo. The current year tag must be displayed on the dog’s collar.
- Ensuring their dog does not roam off their own property unless they are leashed.
- Properly disposing of their dog’s excrement.
- Keeping their dogs away from the following areas: playgrounds, cemeteries, water parks and any beach within a park during the summer months (May 1 – Oct 1).
For more information on Nanaimo Animal Control, contacts and links related to animals in Nanaimo, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/animals.
To report incidents of Nanaimo Animal Control bylaw infractions, contact Nanaimo Animal Control Services at 250-616-0233.
And for a list of off-leash dog parks in Nanaimo, visit https://www.nanaimo.ca/recreation-parks/parks-trails/dogs-in-parks
Alexa Huffman
