This letter is in response to the letter (Gazette, June 16; “We left city without spending a dime due to no-dog policy”) by John Cookson.
I have a few points I would like to make. St. Albert is in no regard an anti-dog city. I know at least three or four very nice off-leash parks within walking distance of my house, as well, all the trails are dog-friendly. In fact, I frequently see dogs walking in my neighbourhood (and even more frequently hear them). However, there are some places that are just not appropriate to take a dog.
The botanic park is maintained and kept by volunteers. These people are already giving generously of their time and shouldn’t have to deal with picking up dog poop. Not to mention, dog pee can greatly damage many of the plants that they keep in the park.
Some dogs also may try to dig up some of the plants, and there is not enough volunteers to do watches to make sure that doesn’t happen. I understand that there’s some very responsible dog owners who will make sure that won’t happen, but there’s also inconsiderate people who will let their dog off leash and not care.
There’s no good way to make sure these people don’t destroy the park without completely restricting dog access. Secondly, the farmers' market at St. Albert does not permit dogs because they can pose a health hazard if they get into food. The farmers' market can be incredibly busy, as well, and just isn’t the place to take a dog (especially a small one). There’s a good chance of the dog feeling packed in, uncomfortable, or you losing track of it.
You also have to remember that not everyone is a dog person, and not everyone feels comfortable around dogs. Nobody would think of bringing a bird, fish, cat, or hamster to these places and it’s not appropriate for dogs either.
Amy Bacon, St. Albert
