Dogs: I agree with Yvon Drouin…

Yes, dogs bark and they can bark after a squirrel or a wandering cat. I love when there is a cat outside that belongs to someone and the owner puts a thin collar with a bell. That way I know it is not going to spray under my porch.

A dog that barks once or twice because he saw a squirrel or cat or other dog is natural and very different from a lack of education in how to teach a dog’s manners. But most folks that own dogs here do not licence them or clean up after them and that makes it hard for us responsible dog owners.

We treat our animals as family, we give them the vaccines they need and exercise them, and we get punished for those who don’t, for those who have no respect for their animal, their neighbourhood and their city.

I always suggest when walking to carry an extra plastic bag and if someone does not pick up, offer one of your bags. And yes, confront those humans, they need to hear from you but if my dog is barking a little because he is happy, because he wants to let me know there is another animal nearby.

I would hope not to be accused of having no control over my dog and if they were to bark more, I would hope it is to stop someone from being hurt, to signal a fire or a break-in that might occur. Dogs are amazingly intelligent and sensitive creatures and great for security.

We do have two patrolmen that were hired by the city for the reason of dogs. But they are ONLY patrolling the waterfront. Maybe it would be nice if they could catch the citizens that don’t pick up or don’t have a licensed dogs and if they visited the suburban areas for a change. You all can call 311 to make that request.

Shary Harrison