Parks board sics task force on 55,000 loose dogs

The Province
Published: Thursday, June 29, 2006

Vancouverites driven barking mad by dogs running free in their parks can have their say by applying for a spot on a newly formed task force that will look into the issue.

Dog lovers are also welcome to apply.

The parks board is looking at where owners of an estimated 55,000 dogs are allowed to let them roam free.

"The issue of dogs is one of the most vocal that the board hears about," said commissioner Ian Robertson. "It's about 50-50 from both dog owners and non-dog owners."

The six-member panel will look at how other North American cities set rules for sharing public space and at other issues, including why 30 per cent of Vancouverites fail to licence their dogs, compared with only 10 per cent in Calgary. In 2004, officers handed out 400 fines, on average $125 to $250, compared with 113 in 2003. In the first two months of 2005, there were 58 tickets.
© The Vancouver Province 2006