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Little dogs get a home of their own in New Westminster

Little dogs will permanently have a place of their own in Moody Park. Earlier this year, the city cordoned off a section in Moody Park’s off-leash area to test out the separate area for small dogs.
Moody Park
Ken and Catherine McEwen are among the New West residents who have urged the city to create an off-leash area for small dogs, like their pup, Indio.

Little dogs will permanently have a place of their own in Moody Park.

Earlier this year, the city cordoned off a section in Moody Park’s off-leash area to test out the separate area for small dogs. The trial came after small dog owners appealed to the city to create an off-leash area specifically for little dogs.

“The neighbourhood surrounding Moody Park has a large number of residential apartment buildings, which in turn results in one of the city’s largest small dog (less than 25 pounds) populations,” said a report to council. “Many small dog owners living in the area seek a designated space that will allow their dogs the opportunity to exercise and socialize off-leash without fear of being impacted by larger dogs. Due to the popularity of the existing Moody Park dog enclosure, the opportunity for small dog owners looking for a safe place for their dogs to be off-leash is limited.”

A staff report said data collected from 84 surveys found that there was support for creating a designated small-dog-only off-leash area in Moody Park.

Council supported the plan. The staff report says the cost of making a permanent small-dog off leash area within the existing off-leash area is $16,500, which includes installation of fencing that matches the rest of the fencing in the off-leash area and installation of a water fountain.