As reported on January 27, 2014 on the CBC News website, Regina officials have been asked to put together a report regarding having additional off leash dog parks constructed in the city (at the moment there is only one area in Regina dedicated for as off leash areas).
Councillor Mike O’Donnell made the request, stating that the city is expanding and with the addition of more people and their pets in the community there should be more off leash areas available for dogs. O’Donnell went on to say that the off leash parks permit dog owners to not only enjoy exercising with their pets (there are many varieties of large dogs that need room to run), but to help socialize their pets.
Most off leash dog parks also have areas for dogs that are smaller in stature. O’Donnell recommended one off leash park for every new development that has a population of 5 thousand residents, however, he did add that this was just a suggestion. O’Donnell did add that the dog parks don’t necessarily need to be very big; in many cities these parks consist of smaller areas that have been cordoned off.
Most of us tend to believe that off leash parks are primarily provided as a benefit for our much loved dogs, however, any experienced dog park user you ask to tell you different. Off leash dog parks provide just as many benefits to their human guardians as they do their pets and the community as a whole.
Most people that frequent these parks with their pets say that they never really knew their neighbors until they started to spend time in their community dog park. You get the chance to meet like minded people that love their dogs and chances are that if it weren’t for the park you wouldn’t have met these people at all.
These dog friendly parks can play a huge role in the socialization of the community lucky enough to have one and the dogs and their guardians create a safe atmosphere as well in public parks.
Designating a specific area where dogs are allowed to run off leash under the guidance of their owners successfully addresses a number of problems in local parks where the approach has been introduced. For example, violations of leash laws and the public complaints the violations trigger have decreased; and dog guardians have a safe place to legally socialize and exercise their pets.
Off leash areas allow pet owners to be law abiding citizens as well, which eases the burden of enforcement on animal control officers, freeing them to do more crucial work including the control of dangerous animals and provide animal rescue services.
Bottom line, off leash parks are good for dogs, their owners and the community as a whole with benefits that include;
- – Promoting optimal canine health and socialization, reducing bad behavior and helping to make dogs much better canine citizens
- – Discourages criminal and delinquent activities in parks
- – Encourages people to get some fresh air and exercise as well as encourages social interaction with other pet owners
- – Accommodates senior citizens and anyone else who can’t easily walk their dogs on leashes.
- – Helps build a community of pet lovers who are committed to their community, their parks and the environment