People urged to keep their dogs on a leash after man was attacked in Coquitlam
Owning a ‘well-behaved’ dog is no excuse for leaving it off leash, says town of Coquitlam, which urges people to keep dogs on leashes on trails except where signage allows dogs to be without a leash.
Keep your dogs on a leash, even on Coquitlam’s wilderness trails, the town says, and only walk as many dogs as you can safely control.
The council comes in after a dog attack on a local runner in mid-April.
The dismemberment occurred on April 23 as the Westwood Plateau resident was returning from his usual mid-day run through North Hoy Creek Park to the West Coast Scale Trail.
He said raging dogs walked by a professional walker attacked him, causing trauma as well as bruises, scratches and pain from the bites.
In response, the city has released information that clarifies when dogs are allowed off leash.
MORE COMPLAINTS THAN PEOPLE FIRE OUTSIDE DURING THE PANDEMIC
“According to Coquitlam regulations, dogs must be kept on a leash in all parks, trails and public spaces – no matter how far from the area or how the dog behaves – except in designated off-leash areas which are marked with the city signage. City officers patrol the park spaces daily to provide education and promote compliance, ”the city statement read.
He notes that more and more people are spending time outdoors, which “has coincided with an increase in complaints about off-leash dogs.”
With more and more people visiting wilderness trails, including Eagle Mountain and Burke Mountain, off-leash dogs – especially groups of them – represent what the city says is a danger to other trail users. they are not in full control at all times.
Coquitlam made the following recommendations:
• Walk only the size of a dog and as many dogs as you can safely control on a leash
• Make sure all dogs have proper identification, such as a municipal dog license
• Take steps to prevent aggressive behavior, biting or attacking other people or dogs, both on a leash and in designated off-leash areas
WITHOUT LEASH “PACK WALKS” DISCOURAGED EVEN IN WILDLANDS
Coquitlam also reminds professional dog walkers that they must have a business license to operate in the city.
Additionally, “pack walks” with multiple dogs off leash could harm wildlife and dog walkers could be held responsible if someone is injured.
City staff will also review signage on local trails to see if more signs are needed or should be replaced, according to the release notes.
For more information on Coquitlam’s leash requirements and off-leash areas, you can visit the animals and animals page of the city’s website.
You can also visit the city’s website for information on its Animal Care and Control Regulations.