This letter is in opposition to the proposed draconian dog leash laws for Saanich parks. As it stands now, Saanich allows dogs to be off-leash while with owners in numerous parks and on some beaches. There is a proposal that these off-leash areas be drastically reduced and confined to a very limited space for dogs and their owners.
Myself and many others find these proposals not only unwarranted, but actually cruel to dogs and their owners. These laws will drastically reduce the exercise required for a healthy life by many dogs. It will also drastically impair the mental state of many dogs.
Dogs are an essential part of many happy households and they add unmeasurable joy and stability in many families. We spend thousands of dollars on good food, vets, dog walkers and other essentials to make a dog’s life fun and worth living. They give love unconditionally and we should give that love back through how we treat and interact with them.
Having a leash on at all times, or having a very small area to share with others off-leash, will not promote health, or a happy dog or family with a dog. In fact, it will infringe on the rights of people to provide a healthy lifestyle for their pet.
We all share this planet and we are all interdependent on each other – people, animals and the environment. I agree dogs can be disruptive in certain situations, and chasing wildlife is not appropriate and should be discouraged, but not to the point of being in chains and having no freedom ever. There are more people that are far more disruptive to our planet, but I don’t see a leash on them, unfortunately.
We finally live in an era of acceptance, tolerance, and working things out and these proposed laws go against all these societal strides we have made. Dogs/pets are a part of society and are a very social species.
As an animal lover and pet owner, I will not allow these draconian measures to become reality – and if they do, I will ignore them and continue to treat my dog with respect and love and allow them to have a life worth living. I will also be sure to never vote for anyone again who supports such draconian measures.
Tom Eberhardt
Saanich
