Evaluation of Unleashed Dog Area -

Sherwood Park - North York Centre South

The North York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following Resolution from Councillor Joanne Flint, North York Centre South, and that the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be requested to report thereon to the North York Community Council:

WHEREAS dogs in the unleashed area of Sherwood Park continue to run out of control; and

WHEREAS unleashed dogs are causing long-term damage to the undergrowth of the forest area; and

WHEREAS unleashed dogs frequently run onto private property, destroying gardens and frightening residents, including young children; and

WHEREAS professional dog walkers, who walk up to a dozen dogs each, are increasing users of the park; and

WHEREAS many local residents no longer use their neighbourhood park, preferring to go elsewhere so as to avoid unleashed dogs; and

WHEREAS there have been many reports from joggers of menacing dogs, and at least one biting incident that resulted in a muzzling order; and

WHEREAS there is increased public anxiety about uncontrolled dogs due to reports in the media about vicious attacks; and

WHEREAS local residents who have volunteered many hours planting new trees, flowers and shrubs are discouraged because unleashed dogs have destroyed much of their work; and

WHEREAS measures taken last year to protect the forest undergrowth have resulted in more damage to unprotected areas; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the evaluation of the unleashed dog area in Sherwood Park scheduled for September 1998 be commenced immediately; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the results of the evaluation be referred to the North York Community Council and the User Fee Committee for consideration.