Editor:
Over the last few weeks I have been riding my horse on the Marsh Loop Trail along the river and by the Cave and Basin.
Every time I have gone out I have encountered dogs. Approximately 90 per cent of those dogs have been off leash and out of their owner’s control.
Sunday’s incident was the final straw. Something like this occurs every time I ride and I’m tired of it.
On Sunday, when we left the barn we headed out down the sleigh trail intending to take a little trail through the woods that then joins the Marsh Loop. Just as we arrived at the little trail my horse froze in place.
Out of the woods bolted an aggressive dog dragging a leash. This dog was in full attack mode. It was snapping, jumping, barking and circling around us. It scared my horse who, in fright, tried to run off into the trees. I managed to keep my horse on the trail which was a safer place for me to try and deal with the dog that would not back off.
Several minutes later the dog’s owner finally arrived on the scene and attempted to catch her dog. She was unsuccessful. For the next 10 minutes she tried to catch her dog as it ran circling around the horse, barking and snapping. I tried riding away, but the dog just followed continuing its behaviour while my horse became more and more agitated. Giving up, I decided to return to the barn and seek help before things got worse and one of us was injured.
Fifty metres down the trail, I encountered some hikers who realised what was happening and chased the dog away from the horse. The hikers managed catch the dog and return it to its owner.
The owner promptly disappeared with her dog.
After calming the horse and thanking the hikers, I continued on my ride, joining up with the Marsh Trail. So far it wasn’t the relaxing, enjoyable Sunday afternoon I had hoped for.
One hundred metres down the trail the horse froze again. On the river were more people walking with their off-leash dogs. The people were on the river, the dogs were up on the trail.
I decided we should just stand and wait for the owners to catch their dogs. One dog went back when called, but the other two or possibly three (I’m not sure how many dogs because the people couldn’t catch them) were running through the marsh barking at several large bull elk. Luckily for me, these dogs were more interested in the elk than the horse and we just left the area.
Both of these incidents took place within the distance of a football field, over the course of half an hour.
There is a leash law in place in Banff National Park. All dogs are to be on leash and under their owners control at all times. This is a law, not a suggestion. Unfortunately, it has never been adequately enforced and too many people simple disregard this law as they find it inconvenient.
There is currently no off-leash area in Banff. People who have chosen to be with a dog in the national park need to respect the law and keep their dogs under control.
The trails are multi-use and need to be safe for everyone. What happened to me today was definitely dangerous. If I had been thrown from a frightened horse I could have been badly hurt. My horse running in fear over icy trails could have hurt herself. My horse could have instinctively defended herself against a predator (yes, dogs are a predatory species) and kicked or stomped the dog to death. Fortunately, I had control of my horse. The only thing that kept her from defending herself was her trust in me and I was asking her not to.
The leash law exists for the safety of all, including humans, dogs, and wildlife. Over the last few months other incidents have been reported in the news involving people and animals being injured because of the actions of off-leash uncontrolled dogs. What is it going to take before certain dog owners get the message? Will someone be seriously injured or killed? Will someone’s dog die when the wildlife decides to fight back?
It’s time the law is strictly enforced. No one’s health and safety should ever be endangered due to the irresponsibility of others. The next encounter may not end so well.
Obey the law; leash your dog.
Renae Elliott,
Banff
