Dear Editor:
Re: Dog owners want off-leash area (The Record, May 23).
As a non-pet-owner who lives across from Moody Park, I say "yes" to the fenced off-leash area for dogs. I'd enjoy watching them there.
The owners are of course better to make recommendations regarding the exact location and dog size limitation, if any. At present they meet closer to our place, but it would be good to have to walk further to see them in the southwest corner. Benches outside the fence would be welcome for observers.
It's odd that some communities think that off-leash areas can be unfenced. In Robert Burnaby Park, for instance, my partner and I have been "attacked" by dogs more than once. One time it was a large muddy dog jumping up on Joe as he sat on a bench. Another time, a pack of four large dogs came charging at us, barking loudly in a menacing way. We've seen many other dogs off-leash there, outside of the designated area.
We have friends who have a small dog which has a "criminal record" for biting at least one person. Her caregiver (who walks her) has to go to court over this. Such dogs should be "protected" with muzzles when they go out in public. That would protect all of us, owners and strangers.
Personally, I would love to have a "puppy-in-training." These are being prepared for learning to be service dogs. They are allowed to go everywhere, for the experience. I see the value of pets, especially for people who live alone. In some buildings, pets are not allowed. Those which are never outside their owners' apartments, and that can be carried over common areas, should not be an issue.
Franci Louann, New Westminster
