CVRD upping bylaw enforcement after reports of ‘livestock fatalities’ related to off-leash dogs

The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) says it will be closely monitoring its parks and trails this summer following reports of off-leash dogs causing issues with livestock and other park users.

In a release Wednesday, the CVRD’s manager of parks, Mark Harrison, said “concerns have been raised regarding unleashed dogs chasing livestock which has caused livestock fatalities, further some dogs are displaying harassing behaviour towards park patrons within leashing mandatory parks.”

He added that this was particularly true along trail systems like One Spot Trail near Courtenay, which borders on agricultural properties.

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To address these concerns, the CVRD says bylaw officers will soon be actively patrolling local parks and trails to ensure dogs are under control, and possibly hand out fines.

Bylaw officers can serve people up to three types of fines for having uncontrolled dogs in parks, including:

• Allowing any animal to run at large in a park: $100
• Failing to keep a dog under control in a park: $100
• Failing to restrain a dog on a leash in a park: $100

“By following the leashing requirements and keeping your dogs under control, you are protecting sensitive ecosystems, protecting and supporting our agricultural community and ensuring a safe, welcoming experience for all residents,” said Harrison.

“By respecting the rules in place, you will avoid fines and also ensure leashing optional areas remain open,” he added.

The Comox Valley Regional District includes the three municipalities of Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland – as well as three electoral areas with a combined population of about 25,000 people – and the K’ómoks First Nation.

More information about dog leashing rules can be found on the CVRD website.

SEE ALSO:

• Saanich walks back People, Parks and Pets strategy that sees off-leash areas reduced
• Dog euthanized after off-leash attack at Willows Beach

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