The District of Squamish if researching a recent proposal to allow off-leash dog parks throughout the district. There is currently no area where dog owners can legally unleash their dogs, and Kris Hopping, of the District Of Greater Squamish Society (DOGSS), says this is unacceptable.
Hopping sent a proposal to the district outlining her argument.
"New developments are encroaching on existing trail systems and high density housing will soon be crowding now empty plots of land," said Hopping's proposal. "As the population grows, there will be an ever-increasing pressure on existing trail systems and parks. If Squamish doesn't plan now to accommodate the needs of the dog community, user conflicts are sure to escalate."
Mayor Ian Sutherland says he's aware that there's a substantial appetite for off-leash areas in the district, and staff is researching the possibility of establishing parks in two or three areas on a six-month trial basis.
Sutherland acknowledged that it would create a better situation for dog owners as well as animal control enforcers.
"Dog owners do it anyway," he said. "But we want to find a place to do it legally."
Hopping said that as a former park ranger, she had to enforce dog rules, and she knows first hand that enforcement is simplified if people are given alternatives.
"If you say 'Your dog is now allowed here,' they'll say 'Well, where can we take him?' 'Nowhere.'," she said. "It's not very friendly for visitors."
She also sites veterinary behaviourists' assertions that off leash exercise reduces aggressive behaviour in dogs.
"Free-running areas allow for a form of interaction with their owner that is not possible when they remain leashed, for example some forms of training and play such as fetch," said Hopping.
The proposal has the support of Squamish Animal Control as well as local vets, said Hopping. According to a 2003 municipal survey, the proposal also has public support.
Hopping suggests forming off-leash areas on the Interfor and Nexen lands before development takes over completely. Another proposal is to extend a trail system through Crown lands above the Highlands where dogs could roam free. Sutherland couldn't say when or where parks will open to off-leash dogs, but says it will take place in the "not too distant future".
