I have lived in several small and large communities across Canada that all had leash bylaws and was shocked when we settled in St. Albert and discovered there was no leash law in place. I should be able to take my dogs for an enjoyable walk without worrying about an off-leash dog charging towards me and attacking me and my dogs. This has happened to me on several occasions while walking my on-leash dogs in my neighbourhood.

Regarding the recent letter ‘City offside by going on leash’ (Gazette, Sept. 29), I suggest that you move to an acreage if you want the freedom to do what you want with your dog. We live in a community that needs to have some rules to protect the rights of all individuals, not just a select few who feel a sense of entitlement.

Regarding an off-leash area, I agree we should have a designated field somewhere for Fido to run and burn off his energy. I don’t believe Fido cares if it’s a nice tree-lined forest or a pretty park – all he wants to do is run. If Fido’s owner wants to explore interesting areas then put Fido on a leash and explore away.

We all believe we can control our dogs, until we can’t and something bad happens. I applaud the five council members who voted to finally make a law that is for the safety of the community and will vote for each one of them in the next election. I can’t say the same about the two who voted against the bylaw.

Susan Jenner-Welling, St. Albert

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