News Release
Temporary Changes to Leash Laws Proposed
(Monday, December 8, 2003)-- Councillor Sue Uteck (District 13-Northwest Arm/South End) will move a motion calling for a temporary change to HRM's Dog By-law, D-100. The proposed change - linked to the continued closure of many of HRM's parks - will extend the available off-leash hours for dogs at HRM's sports fields just for the spring of 2004.
"Damage from Hurricane Juan has closed Point Pleasant Park until June 2004 and also prevented access to our other parks and pathways. That in turn has limited the off leash areas for dogs in the urban parts of HRM," Councillor Uteck said.
This proposal will give dog owners greater opportunities to exercise their pets by extending off leash hours at sports fields from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Currently dogs are permitted to be off leash on the sports fields from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
"This proposed change is designed to be temporary, and will only run until May 1, 2004. While it will extend off leash hours at some sports fields, parks or fields that are designated as off limits to dogs will remain off limits," Councillor Uteck said.
The owner or walker of any dog, regardless of where they walk the dog - on leash or off - must remove the dog's defecation immediately from any public or private property, other than the property of the owner.
Before the proposed by-law changes can go into effect they require approval from HRM Council as well as a public hearing tom allow residents the opportunity to offer their input.
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For further information, contact:
Councillor Sue Uteck (District 13-Northwest Arm/South End)
221-7651
