I was accosted this past week at Garibaldi Highlands Elementary School by an off-leash dog displaying aggressive behaviour. This is the same area where I was attacked two years ago by another dog and received 16 puncture wounds to my leg and a gash to my wrist.
In this most recent altercation, the medium size dog was not provoked in any way. He growled and charged from a distance and jumped chest high onto me. The owner called out but the dog retreated only momentarily. The dog came running a second and a third time growling and jumping on me.
Needless to say, this caused me a great deal of anxiety. My health condition is such that I have balance issues. If the dog had been any bigger, I might’ve been knocked down.
On the walk home I had lots of time to think. Of course, people want a place to play with and exercise their dogs. And, of course, I want to walk in peace knowing I will be safe from unruly or dangerous dogs. Our many multi-use trails and parks are, for the most part, designated as “on-leash.” On the other hand, there are a few off-leash areas in our town where dogs can run free.
That’s why, after the first attack in 2014, Maren Brun and myself created “Rdogs” – a responsible dog owner’s group of Squamish.
The non-profit group is working with the District of Squamish in hopes to have designated off-leash areas in each neighbourhood in Squamish. In that way, there will be a choice of where to walk. As well, tourists will be able to find safe and appropriate places to exercise their animals.
Undisciplined and aggressive dogs on public land and school properties are a concern for children, seniors, those who fear dogs and for unsuspecting wildlife. People with fearful or reactive dogs (kept on leash for that reason) need to know they will not have a “friendly” dog come up to them. Our wonderful trails and parks are to be shared in safety for the enjoyment of all.
Joanna Schwarz
Garibaldi Highlands
