Between waste and leashes, many in Castlegar have dogs on their mind.
The first issue is regarding dog feces and the lack of a proper disposal method.
Whether the groundhog says so or not, it’s sunny out and the snow has cleared, leaving many canine land mines in yards. Many residents would like to simply pick up their dog droppings and place them in the trash to forget about, but as stated by bylaw 705, that isn’t allowed.
Section 29 prohibits animal cutings and waste, along with several other materials.
Bylaw officer Fred Nevakshonoff explained that throwing out your animal waste can result in some fairly nauseating results.
“A lot of dog owners are not picking up their waste in the backyard over the winter,” he said. “Of course when springtime comes they do a massive clean-up and the dog feces are heavy, ladened with moisture.”
Once the garbage truck compresses this waste, it explodes and “That’s pretty gross.”
One suggested solution is to compost the dog droppings but as one resident put it, not everyone is okay with that.
“I’d like to invite city staff down for a salad if that’s what they want,” said one disgruntled Castlegar resident.
If composting your dog’s waste isn’t for you, there’s always Kootenay Poooh Busters.
The Busters offer many services from one-time pick-ups to scheduled twice-a-week visits and more.
For more information, visit kootenaypooohbusters.ca or call 250-921-7667.
A second issue, concerning off-leash dogs at Millennium Park, was raised by councillor Dan Rye on Monday.
“I believe all the councillors received a letter from a member of the community concerned about a dog issue down at the park,” he said.
Rye was referring to off leash dogs that some residents believe may be a threat and/or make too much mess at the park while unattended.
“With the weather getting better again and people being out with their dogs, I think this is something we’re going to have to look at again,” he said.
Both Rye and fellow councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff brought up the point of signage for dogs at the park. They find the signs need to be better so park users are more aware of the rules.
Councillor Deb McIntosh added, signage is useful, “but if there’s nobody down there monitoring it once in a while the problem will continue.”
Rye said council will definitely be looking into policing and other possibilities at Millennium Park.
An off-leash dog park at Millennium has been identified for 2016.