I wanted to respond to articles in the Red Deer Advocate regarding the severe fines and penalties for pets caught wandering at large in the off-leash parks.
As a dog owner who goes to the off-leash park often, I am very concerned that:
• I could get such a fine at any time when going to the off-leash park with my dogs;
• The bylaw does not state that out of sight is the same as out of control;
• The fines are excessive compared to other municipalities in Alberta: warnings are issued in Edmonton and Calgary for first offence, and $50 for second and third offence; a $250 fine and $42 impound fee is issued for first offence in Red Deer, and $500 for second and $700 for the third offence.
I am concerned that these fines are excessive for a situation that happens all the time in an off-leash park, most of all when the bylaw doesn’t state that out of control is the equivalent of out of sight.
Kathleen Weary
Red Deer