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Dog owners want lower off-leash fines

Dog owners will be calling on Red Deer city council to reduce off-leash fines at Monday’s council meeting.
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Mandy McKee carries her son Soren as her three dogs Yoshi

Dog owners will be calling on Red Deer city council to reduce off-leash fines at Monday’s council meeting.

Mark Yarbar and his wife, who collected 33 signatures on a petition to lower fines, also want a $250 violation ticket waived that they were issued for their dog running at large at Three Mile Bend last June.

The dog was found wandering by someone at the off-leash park.

That person waited 15 minutes for the owners before calling the phone number on the dog’s collar.

The dog was eventually taken to Alberta Animal Services.

The Yarbars disputed the ticket and took it to Red Deer provincial court, where a trial was held and the ticket was upheld.

According to the bylaw, even a dog in a designated off-leash area must be kept under control.

Mark Yarbar wants city council to review city dog bylaw penalties, which are higher than most Alberta communities.

City administration is recommending the dog bylaw penalties not be amended as the number of tickets for dogs running at large has been reduced since higher penalties were imposed in 2009.

However, it is recommended that the bylaw be amended to include a definition of control to ensure clarity for dog owners, and signage be installed at Three Mile Bend consistent with signage at Oxbows off-leash park.