In regards to the Lacombe Lakers miffed about dog park fencing (Gazette, Nov. 18): The Lacombe Lake Dog Park was established before the retirement development was built. Dogs were already running free and barking. The value of property backing onto a dog park should be evaluated and considered before purchase. The City should be praised for their work in continuing to make the park accessible for everyone. Their offer to create a vegetative buffer is a better option than moving the fence. The safety issue at the park continues to be an ongoing process. Last summer when I contacted Bylaw about unleashed dogs in the picnic area, boardwalk and trails, I was informed that my call was one of many calls from concerned residents, and that a schedule was set up for peace officers to enforce the on-leash law. I am one of the 69 per cent of residents who favour the fence around the park. I appreciate that it’s there, but there are still safety concerns. The fence was supposed to restrict off-leash dogs to the west-side of the park, however unleashed dogs still run free on the east-side of the park, even though there are signs throughout the park that inform and instruct: “Trails are On Leash Areas.” Dog owners who entered Lacombe Lake Park from the east could have been confused about the designated on and off leash areas because of a sign that informed and instructed: “ENTERING OFF-LEASH AREA. Dogs Must Be Under Control. Please Pick Up After Your Pet.” I contacted the City about the sign. I suggested that the solution to eliminate confusion would be a specific sign that informs and instructs: ALL TRAILS, PICNIC AREA, AND BOARDWALK ARE ON-LEASH AREAS. Dogs Must Be Under Control. OFF-LEASH AREA IS FENCED AREA ONLY. Please Pick Up After Your Pet. The City informed me that more specific signage will soon to be installed to encourage proper stewardship of the park. The conflicting sign at the east entrance has been taken down. I continue to witness at least three owners out of four walking around the lake with unleashed dogs. I witness other incidents: unleashed dogs running at me or other people walking or on bikes. Owners insist that their dogs are either friendly or harmless. Maybe some dog owners don’t know that some people don’t want to be barked at, jumped at, or nipped at no matter how harmless and friendly their dogs are; or that some people like to fish and sit in solitude on the boardwalk, or that some people don’t like their faces or their children’s faces licked, or have dogs pounce upon their laps. Bylaw can’t be available all the time to enforce the rules. And why should one resident have to police another by asking them politely to put their dog’s leash on? It is a delight to see dog owners interacting joyfully with their dogs. The dog-park is an opportunity for dogs to run free under control in the fenced area, while other park users are safe and enjoy their own excursions. Sandra Mooney-Ellerbeck, St. Albert
