Conservation Authority kicks off Love ‘em and Leash ‘em Campaign

North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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Dogs running off leash and unscooped poop have become a problem in Conservation Areas and City parks, trails, streets and beaches. To help solve the problem, a new campaign involving education, incentives and enforcement was kicked off in Laurier Woods Conservation Area today.

“The goal of the “Love ‘em and Leash ‘em Campaign” is to educate dog owners about the necessity to keep their dogs on leash in Laurier Woods, in fact in all Conservation Areas and public areas. While there are responsible dog owners who are keeping their dogs under control and respecting the rules, there is a growing number who aren’t and it’s causing problems for people, other dogs and wildlife,” said Brian Tayler, CAO of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

Volunteers from Friends of Laurier Woods (FLW) who partner with NBMCA in the ownership and maintenance of Laurier Woods estimate that close to 70 per cent of the people walking dogs in the area are letting their dogs run free in Laurier Woods. NBMCA is receiving a growing number of emails, phone calls and complaints about dogs off leash.

“Laurier Woods is a provincially significant wetland preserved in the heart of North Bay. It’s a wonderful place for people to walk their dogs, hike, bird watch, exercise, and appreciate nature. But they must keep their dogs on leash,” added Tayler.

“It’s a matter of public safety, dog safety and conservation,” added Fred Pinto, FLW President. “Many wildlife species are instinctively fearful of dogs. They get startled, stressed, abandon nests, and may even vacate an area. Pathogens and parasites from pet waste can also be transmitted to wildlife and other dogs.”

The City of North Bay also has bylaws for scooping poop and keeping dogs leashed when they’re off private property. They’ve joined NBMCA, FLW as well as the North Bay and District Humane Society as partners in the Campaign.

"Your pet must be leashed and under control at all times. Not only is it a City by-law but it is good practice for your pet's safety," said Daryl Vaillancourt, General Manager of the Humane Society.

Even though a dog may be friendly and mean no harm, if it rushes up to people it may in its excitement knock over children, disabled or elderly persons and frighten non-dog owners who aren’t accustomed to dogs. It’s not okay to shout out “it’s ok, he’s friendly” while the dog runs ahead.

Under the Ontario Conservation Authorities Act regulations, dogs and cats are allowed in conservation areas provided they are on a leash no longer than two metres. If they are running at large, or the pet waste is not properly disposed of, the owners could receive a provincial offences ticket and a $95 fine.

Enforcement officers from NBMCA, City of North Bay and the Humane Society are stepping up their patrols of Laurier Woods, other Conservation Areas, and City trails, parks and beaches.

Dog owners who have their pets on leash during the campaign will be given a free “poop bag” dispenser donated by Earth Rated Inc. (while supplies last) as well as a ballot to be entered into a draw for a pet care package valued over $250 containing items and gift certificates donated by Burrows Country Store, Pet Vale and Lisa’s Doghouse.

Dog owners whose pets are off leash or not scooping poop will be given information about the importance of leashing and cleaning up after their dog. For the first week enforcement officers will give warnings but after that, tickets will be issued.

NBMCA has also installed two pet waste stations with compostable pet waste bags at Laurier Woods Conservation Area and Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area to encourage poop and scoop.

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