Dear Editor,
We need clarity on policies regarding dogs and when they are required to be kept on a leash.
I am happy that the UNA Dog Park is available for dog owners and their pets to have leash-free time. However, as a human born with a fear of furry animals, I am disappointed to find that it does not help much with my safe space in areas outside the dog park. Indeed, some owners tend to let off their dogs without a leash around certain neighbourhood areas.
Recently, when I tried to ask a dog owner to put his dog on a leash beside Michael Smith Park in Wesbrook Place, I was told, “(fearing my dog) is your problem, not mine. And there is no sign saying that I must put my dog on a leash outside Michael Smith Park.”
Can the UNA help solve this issue with a clear statement regarding leash/no leash policies? And can more signs that say “All dogs must be kept on a leash” be installed along paths and areas close to residential buildings? (Note – there actually is one of these signs at Michael Smith Park).
Guidance on this issue would be appreciated. After all, we are just human beings asking for the right to be free from mental and psychological stress while living here.
XIAOWEN XU, RESIDENT
Campus Dog Regulations Explained:
The UNA currently does not have any regulations in place to require the leashing of dogs, similar to current policy for areas under the jurisdiction of UBC. While measures are currently not being considered, UNA staff say the organization may consider adding regulations and allocating resources to enforce any new bylaws in the future.
Signs that currently exist in the university neighbourhoods are placed in key public areas to encourage respectful dog ownership and encourage owners to leash their dogs, UNA officials say. The signs are aimed to represent the UNA’s proactive approach to the matter and focus on voluntary adherence to respectful dog ownership practices.
Relatedly, City of Vancouver bylaws do not apply to lands within UBC, including the neighbourhoods under jurisdiction of the UNA. Dog owners are welcome to register and licence their dogs with the City of Vancouver, however the UNA and UBC currently do not have licencing or other dog bylaw regulations in place.
- TCR Staff