Editor:
A few months ago, while I was enjoying a stroll near Quarry Lake, photographing the spectacular landscape, an off-leash dog came up behind me, barking ferociously, and grabbed the back of my thigh.
I did not see it coming. But what I did see was the young woman owner forcefully impale her dog on the ground. Whether that was an appropriate response to the dog’s behaviour, I do not know. But what I do know is that it was one of the most disturbing things I’ve seen in my life; one I will not forget.
The point is, this horrible experience could have been avoided entirely if the dog had been on-leash.
What else was disturbing was the owner’s and the onlookers’ – with their large dogs, also off-leash – response to this incident, or rather, their lack of response. Not one of them attempted to speak with me – not one asked if I was OK, if the dog actually bit me – nothing. I walked away in a complete daze; there was no way I wanted to stay around all those off-leash dogs or the owners, as a matter-of-fact.
Thankfully, my coat took the brunt of the bite. Might I add that if the dog’s teeth broke my skin, sadly, the outcome would not have been the same.
Today, I went out to enjoy a beautifully warm winter day. Six out of six dogs were off-leash and frankly, I am tired of being jumped all over (including my camera), having my bottom sniffed and my personal safety threatened by large off-leash dogs barking/running towards me – often, with no humans in sight.
This irresponsible pet-owner behaviour needs to be addressed. Next time I will not be so forgiving and allow the solace of my hikes be disturbed. During the years I’ve lived here and hiked the local trails, I’ve never had to use pepper spray on wildlife; it will be a very sad day, indeed, when I have to use pepper spray on an off-leash dog that intimidates my personal well being while on a trail.
The solution is simple; abide by our bylaws. Just because you live here does not bestow you with special privileges above the law. Our bylaws are set to protect people, pets, but, most importantly, the wildlife whose home we share, as guests.
That being said, kudos to the many responsible pet owners and residents of the Bow Valley who respect the rights of all and who thoughtfully keep their dogs on-leash so everyone can enjoy the trails safely.
K. Gaudet,
Canmore
