July 13, 2010
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Recent confrontations between dogs and wildlife in Red Deer’s off-leash parks have resulted in an investigation of the incidences and a warning to dog owners to keep their pets under control while off leash at Three Mile Bend and the Oxbows Dog Park.
Trevor Poth, Parks Superintendent with The City of Red Deer, said that while The City and Alberta Animal Services are reviewing complaints that dogs have been attacked by beavers at Three Mile Bend, park users should be cautious of wildlife any time they use The City’s park system.
“Our community is fortunate to have a park system that is second to none, with a great balance of formal parks and natural areas,” said Poth, “but with that balance comes the need to manage the way we share these spaces with wildlife. Park users should be aware at all times that they may encounter wildlife when using the parks system.”
Off-leash dogs add another level of difficulty to balancing the needs of wildlife and citizens, according to Officer Don Elliott, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor with Alberta Animal Services.
“Dog owners play an important role in ensuring the safety of their pets and of the wildlife that live in our parks system,” said Officer Elliott. “Any wild animal, big or small, can become aggressive if it feels threatened, so it’s essential that dog owners have control of their dogs while using the parks or trails.”
Officer Elliott advises dog owners to carry leashes, even in off-leash parks, and to use them immediately when encountering wildlife. Parks users who do encounter wild animals should back away rather than approaching them or trying to scare them away. Off-leash park users must also maintain effective voice control of their dogs while their dogs are off leash, which is only permitted at Three Mile Bend and the Oxbows.
“We appreciate that, when a dog is excited, it can be difficult to make it listen to commands,” said Elliot. “Without effective voice control, however, dog owners run the risk that their pets may get into an altercation with a wild animal or even another dog. According to the Dog Bylaw, dog owners must have control of their dogs at all times, even when in an off-leash park. If a dog does not consistently respond to voice commands, its owner should strongly consider keeping it on leash for its own safety.”
Citizens who are concerned about wildlife issues in the parks system should report their concerns to The City’s Parks Section at 403-342-8234 or Alberta Animal Services at 403-347-2388.
More information about coexisting with wildlife in the city can be found at www.reddeer.ca/parks.
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For more information, please contact:
Trevor Poth Don Elliott
Parks Superintendent Municipal Enforcement Supervisor
The City of Red Deer Alberta Animal Services
403-342-8372 403-347-2388
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