Visitors dog White Rock

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Peace Arch News

• Dog days of White Rock

Editor:

Re: Dog days of White Rock, March 22 letters.

Thank you, letter-writer Reesa Steele, for trying to make White Rock more friendly for dogs.

As for the accompanying letter, writer Cheryl Berti obviously thinks that for the irresponsibility of a few dog owners, all must be punished.

Yes, we all lost the area at East Beach, because of the ignorance of a few dog people. I can tell you for a fact that most of the people that left behind their dogs’ “gifts” were in fact visitors to the area.

I was part of a group of up to 30 dog owners who used this area on a daily basis. We all looked out for one another, and if one of us missed our dog doing their business, there was always someone who saw, and to let us know there was a pickup in order.

I also know there were some of us who were verbally abused by non-resident dog owners who decided to use the park as their dogs’ dumping ground, and walk away.

There will never be 100 per cent compliance of dog owners picking up after their pets, nor will there be 100 per cent compliance from people who should be using the garbage cans and don’t. Such logic says that we should ban all people from the promenade as well.

Good thing we have bylaw officers.

I see nothing wrong with pet owners using the promenade – although I wouldn’t – provided they are behaved and picked up after.

In a lot of ways, dogs leave a lot less mess behind than humans, or seagulls and geese.

Sharon Hollas, White Rock

• • •

Perhaps the next time letter-writer Reesa Steele decides to take the long drive for a visit, she should – as a responsible dog owner – find out what the bylaws are, as most people know not all beaches allow dogs.

I would also hardly compare White Rock beach to that of Stanley Park, Spanish Banks or Kits, where there are miles of grass area to walk fido, unlike White Rock beach which it is very limited and hence used for other purposes.

Steele also indicates that the ‘no dog’ signs posted were obscure. Last time I checked, they were posted at every entrance to the beach and even on the boardwalk itself.

Cheryl Berti, White Rock