If you own a dog in Coquitlam, make sure you leash and clean up after it when you’re out for walks.
That’s the message from the city as it steps up bylaw enforcement this year on unleashed canines.
Animal service officers will be out in Coquitlam parks more to educate dog owners about the rules.
In the Train Your Human campaign, staff will be reminding residents about responsible pet ownership.
“We recognize that the majority of dog owners in our community use our parks responsibly and courteously, contributing to a positive experience for all users,” Aaron Hilgerdenaar, Coquitlam’s manager of bylaw enforcement and animal Services, told the Tri-City News today, Feb. 1 — the same day that civic dog licenses are due for renewal.
"The Train Your Human campaign has successfully influenced positive behaviour within our community," he added.
"As our city continues to grow, we recognize the need for ongoing compliance efforts and enforcement actions. We are committed to ensuring that our city spaces remain safe, clean and enjoyable for all residents."
Hilgerdenaar said dog owners in compliance often get a token of appreciation from bylaw officers.
But for those flouting the bylaw, the owner faces a $150 penalty for such infractions as having a dog unleashed in a non-designated area, failing to pick up after a pet and not having a valid dog licence.
Off-leash areas
If you want to let your dog run, visit an off-leash park or trail:
- Bramble Park
- 2775 Panorama Dr.
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Dogs may be unleashed inside the compound
- Glen Park
- 149 Westwood St.
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Maximum three dogs per person in the off-leash area
- Leigh Park
- 1254 Soball St.
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Off-leash area is for large and small dogs
- Miller Park
- 870 Oakview St.
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Off-leash dogs are banned from entering the ravine, watercourse and sportsfield areas
- Mundy Park
- 501 Mariner Way
- The fenced, off-leash dog park is on the western side of Mariner Way in the BC Hydro right-of-way
- Open daily, dawn to dusk
- Maximum three dogs per person in the off-leash area
- Trails within Mundy Park are off-leash from dawn to 10 a.m. (with exceptions)
- Dogs must be on the trails at all times and not disturb the wildlife
To report an Animal Care and Control Bylaw concern in Coquitlam, you can call 604-927-3580 or email the city.
