The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has some leashing mandatory parks within the electoral areas.

Compliance with dog leashing requirements within these mandatory areas is not always being met causing issues with livestock, wildlife, sensitive ecosystems and public safety within these parks and trails.

鈥淐oncerns have been raised regarding unleashed dogs chasing livestock which has caused livestock fatalities, further some dogs are displaying harassing behaviour towards park patrons within leashing mandatory parks,鈥� explains Mark Harrison, manager of parks.

鈥淲e need to ensure that park patrons are respecting the agricultural properties alongside our trail systems, like the One Spot Trail and are also following mandatory leashing requirements within our parks and trails systems. By following the leashing requirements and keeping your dogs under control, you are protecting sensitive ecosystems, protecting and supporting our agricultural community and ensuring a safe, welcoming experience for all residents.鈥�

This spring and summer, the CVRD Bylaw team will be actively patrolling all CVRD parks and trail systems and fining individuals who are not following dog leashing or dog-under-control requirements. CVRD Bylaw 679 outlines all the fines relating to Electoral Area Parks regulations. Fines include but not limited to:

Allowing any animal to run at large in a park: $100

Failing to keep a dog under control in a park: $100

Failing to restrain a dog on a leash in a park: $100

鈥淏y respecting the rules in place, you will avoid fines and also ensure leashing optional areas remain open,鈥� states Harrison.

To review leashing requirements and fines associated with being off-leash in designated areas visit: .