Back To Normal

The fence came down yesterday at the north end of Withrow Park. Kids and dogs swarmed in. The park was back to normal. Too bad. Normal included many dogsŪbig dogsŪrunning free as their owners walked along tens of metres away. In a period of a few minutes we saw five unleashed dogs two of which relieved themselves well away from owners who were unconcerned about their pets' behaviour. We know from scientific studies that the pesticide carbofuran is a relatively toxic substance but one that was used for years to produce the food we ate. The park was closed at great expense for what turned out to be a few milligrams of the substance. Dog waste, on the other hand, contains Campylobacter and Salmonella, proven killers. It also contains Toxocara Canis a parasite that is a serious health threat to children. We know that Riverdale's Dog Owners' Association has worked hard to promote responsible dog ownership. It is a very small minority of owners who choose not to care about how their dogs impact other park users. If the fence has not changed their ways what will? Is it time for the City to begin ticketing inconsiderate dog owners?