City to increase enforcement of animal bylaws in city parks
By City of Castlegar
The city intends to increase its efforts to minimize dog conflicts in all city Parks. Dogs are currently required to be leashed and the city will increase its bylaw enforcement of these regulations and, in certain cases, the city will be levying fines to enforce compliance for the safety of all park users.
The city’s Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw 572 prohibits dogs from being at large in public spaces.
“At large” means:
1. with respect to a dog:
(a) in or upon the lands or premises of any person other than the owner of the dog without the consent, express or implied, of that person;
(b) in or upon a public place not prohibited to dogs, or a highway, unless on a leash and under the control of a competent person;
(c) in or upon a public place posted as being prohibited to dogs”
The City of Castlegar is committed to ensuring that all park users have an enjoyable experience and will be increasing the presence of city staff in parks to ensure compliance with the bylaw.
A person who contravenes the bylaw may be given a fine of not less than $50, and not more than $2,000.
“The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible, however it is important that the city take steps to enforce its existing bylaws to ensure that all visitors to parks have a positive and enjoyable experience,” said , Dan Rye, city ouncillor, and chair of the Public Safety Committee.
The Millennium Park Master Plan includes the provision of an off-leash dog area that will be created during that park’s phased build-out.
“The City of Castlegar recognizes that it is important for dog owners to have a dedicated area where their dogs can be off-leash and our goal is to be at that phase in the park’s development as soon as possible,” said Mayor Lawrence Chernoff.
For more information, please contact Phil Markin, Director of Development Services, or Gerry Rempel, Fire Chief, at 250-365-7227.
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