It has been a long time since we had to worry about dogs running on our property. In the city it was terrible as they got into our garbage, harassed our cats, left deposits on our lawn!
Last week, during the school break, we spotted a dog down at our lakefront. I presume it was visiting, as we had not seen it before. I was worried, since we had had open water just a few days ago. We don't like loose dogs around here, despite this city visitors seem to think that now in the country they can let their animals run. Unfortunately, the dogs chase wildlife and scare our pets. They are meant to be under control.
It is illegal under the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act to let dogs run free in areas in deer, moose, elk and bears habitat. There are reasons for this. If the lighter dogs chase deer onto thin ice the pregnant mothers can go through, at great cost to our wildlfe.
There is much big game in Parry Sound-Muskoka, they need our protection. You'd think it would be dangerous, as well, to the pets. Who knows what could happen to them. If the conservation cannot call the animals off, they have the authorization to destroy the dogs. There are fines of $180 for a first offense. If they are caught again, they can go to court.
You really have to keep your animals under control whether in the city or the country!
If you want to report dogs that are chasing deer, call the local ministry office, or 1-877-TIPS-MNR.
2 comments:
So people come to visit and let dogs run free on your property? How can they justify that?
I don't know that they know or care where the dogs are! Citiots make assumptions that things are different here in cottage country. They open the door, the dogs run outside, we are on a peninsula with not too many people at this time of year!
It is much busier in summer and we find more dogs running around, too!
With our wee fox that runs by every morning, you'd wonder. Plus, with the lake frozen over, any creature can come across the lake. There are bears and wolves - I've seen a wolf across the lake. You'd think they'd worry as the dogs run onto the frozen lake. I saw one chasing its owner on a skidoo the other day. They do not respect neighbours or the wildlife.
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