New Animal Patrol Program Launched

The City of St. John’s has launched an initiative to draw attention to the importance of keeping dogs on leash at all times when in public.
 
City By-Law prohibits dogs from roaming. This includes being off leash for walks and running on school grounds, sports fields, cemeteries, playgrounds, and in swimming areas. This summer, enforcement officers will be patrolling the City’s parks, trails and playgrounds reminding the public about the law and potentially ticketing those who are not in compliance.
 
Patrol officers will also be looking for dogs that are not licensed. The City estimates than less than 20 per cent of dogs have tags, a fact which it hopes a summer campaign will help to address.
 
First and foremost, our goal is to ensure that all pet owners are aware of the law when it comes to keeping your pets on leash at all times,” explained Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth, chair of the City’s Animal Care and Control Committee. “This is a matter of public – and pet – safety. No matter how well tempered your dog may be, you can never know how an animal may react in all situations. It’s in everyone’s best interest to have your dog leashed and in control at all times.”
 
Annually, the City of St. John’s receives numerous complaints about roaming and off-leash dogs. Aside from the potential risks to others and to the pets themselves, there are potential health risks – especially to children – when dogs are allowed to play in spaces designed for children.
 
“Even if pet owners stoop and scoop, the grass is left contaminated with fecal material, including bacteria and parasites,” said Ellsworth. “Just a couple of dogs visiting the same field on a regular basis can contaminate an entire field in a short period of time.”
 
A summer advertising and social media campaign, combined with foot patrols, will focus on dog licensing, leashing and the importance of staying out of kid and sport-focused zones with dogs.
 
“We encourage pet owners to visit one of the City’s off-leash dog parks for free dog play,” Ellsworth said. “You wouldn’t let your child play ball in a dog park – please don’t let your dog play in a ballpark!”
 
Information on the campaign and how to get your dog’s licensed is available on the Humane Services page.
 
 
Media Contact:
Susan Bonnell
Manager, Marketing and Communications
City of St. John's
Phone: 709-576-3906
Cell: 709-690-9285
sbonnell@stjohns.ca