Love ‘em and Leash ‘em Campaign underway

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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In May 2013,the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), Friends of Laurier Woods (FLW), City of North Bay (CNB) and the North Bay and District Humane Society (NB&DHS) kicked of the “Love ‘em and Leash ‘em Campaign”. “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 and Public Areas.

Enforcement officers from NBMCA, CNB and the NB&DHS stepped up their patrols of Laurier Woods, other Conservation Areas, and City trails, parks and beaches. Dog owners who had their pets on leash during the campaign were 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 containing items and gift certificates donated by Burrows Country Store, Pet Value and Lisa’s Doghouse.

This fall campaign will help continue the improvements that have been made with dogs on leash and poop and scoop in local Conservation Areas, Parks, trails and beaches. “While there are responsible dog owners who are keeping their dogs under control and respecting the rules, there are still many 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).

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.

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.

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.

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 between September 5 and October 15.

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. Those that have their pets on a leash during the campaign will be given a free “poop bag” dispenser as well as a ballot to be entered into a draw for a few pet care packages containing items donated by Lisa’s Doghouse, Serenity Paws Pet Saloon and North Bay Animal Hospital.

NBMCA manages 16 Conservation Areas and trails in the watershed. The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA’s 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with the environmental needs of the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.

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