Re: Pooch prohibition poses problems (News, May 21)
Take advantage of dog-friendly spaces
I have been walking my dog for over 14 years daily at beautiful Gyro Park beach. I feel it is a privilege to go there before 9 a.m., enjoying the stunning scenery, fresh air and let the dogs run and play.
During the summer month our beach is visited by many more people and their dogs. Maybe these extra visitors do not know that part of the beach, between Tudor Avenue and the breakwater, is available 24/7 for dogs?
Instead of being rude to the bylaw officers, we need to respect those restrictions. This allows families with children who are not comfortable with our four-legged companions to enjoy the beach and have a picnic without being bothered by a dog.
Brigitte Jasmann
Saanich
••••
Rotate spots where dogs aren’t allowed
The article on the displeasure of dog owners in regard to public beaches makes some good points.
I would like to hear who, when and why the particular beaches were designated “no dogs.”
Saanich council should re-visit this issue and pass a bylaw that rotates the “no dogs” beaches each year. Rotating signage could be funded through fines on the beaches where dog owners are not in compliance.
Peter Flanders
Saanich
••••
Caddy Bay animal restriction is tough
The statement that there are 160 Saanich parks that are viable alternatives to parks with dog restrictions is true but not the full story. There are fewer parks with water access, even fewer with parking and only a couple with an actual sandy beach rather than a rocky shore. Of those only one, Gyro Park, has beach access for wheelchairs, walking assists or strollers.
Also, the section of Gyro Park that does allow dogs isn’t accessible through the park without getting a ticket. You cannot park in the main Gyro Park parking lot and get to the permissible beach walking area – without cutting across the park and therefore getting a ticket.
A reasonable solution might be to allow dog walkers to park in the main parking lot, and provided their dog is on leash and they walk around the periphery of the park away from the playground and barbecue areas they won’t be ticketed.
I think the restrictions need to be rationalized to reflect common sense.
Graham Payette
Saanich
