Dogs Off-Leash Policy Survey – Survey ends May 31, 2013

Message from Brian Bailey of CCFEW:

A survey regarding proposed amendments to Toronto’s dogs off-leash policy has just come to our attention:  http://www.toronto.ca/parks/engagement/offleashpark-survey.htm
The survey ends tomorrow (May 31).
In part the survey is looking at a new proposal:

New Designation – Proposed for Consideration

4. Courtesy Hour Parks – Designated area and hours of operation in specified parks, no fencing and taking into consideration ward and neighbourhood site selection.

Hours of operation:
Monday to Friday; 6:00 am to 8:00 am / 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays 7:00 am to 9:00 am / 9:00 pm to 12:00 am
Hours of operation in compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 608-9B Access, 5:30 am to 12:01 am when parks are open and during non peak hours of use.

Locations would be approved based on established off-leash site selection criteria noted in Policy.

The survey deals with human interactions with off-leash dogs but appears to completely ignore their potential impacts on wildlife.  The proposed “courtesy” hours coincide with the times that many forms of wildlife are most active and therefore most likely to be encountered.

Many of the survey questions are directed to dog owners, but the survey is for anyone concerned about this issue:  http://www.toronto.ca/parks/engagement/offleashpark-survey.htm