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Pet etiquette important for public safety, beautification: city
Having and caring for a pet is an important part of many people’s lives, by creating both a positive dynamic to homes and families and promotes healthy activity. It is important to be a responsible pet owner by keeping control of your pet and cleaning up after them.
Too many dog owners forget that there are residents who are scared of dogs being off-leash, no matter how well behaved the owner believes the dog to be. That’s why the City of Cranbrook is reminding residents to keep your dog on leash at all times in public spaces.
Having dogs off leash and running at large is not allowed under the city’s Animal Control Bylaw. Running at large is basically any dog located on property, other than that of the owner and not under control by means of a leash. The only exception to this is if you are using the Muriel Baxter Off-Leash Dog Park.
“Keeping a dog leashed has nothing to do with having a ‘good’ dog or a ‘bad’ dog and everything to do with responsible dog ownership,” said Naomi Hummeny, Bylaw Service Officer for the city. “Some individuals are genuinely afraid of dogs and some dogs can be ‘dog aggressive’ and will be reactive if another dog, friendly or otherwise, runs toward it. Keeping dogs leashed in on-leash public areas simply ensures everyone is equally able to enjoy that public space free from stress and possible confrontation.”
Along with keeping control of your pets, it is also important to remember to clean up after your pet. Carrying bags to pick up and properly dispose of Fido’s business is a requirement under the city’s Animal Control Bylaw. It is unlawful for an animals to defecate on any city street, lane, part of other public place, unless it is removed immediately and carries with it a $50 fine if you are caught.
“Cleaning up after your pet will keep public spaces more enjoyable and will also keep them safer,” Hummeny said. “Dog feces can spread parasites and harmful bacteria, and it is important that dog owners immediately pick up after their pet at all times while in public places and regularly clean up after their pet on their own private property.”
For information about the city’s Animal Control Bylaw, pet licensing and more, please visit our website.
City of Cranbrook
