I start this story with the information that all of the trails in this section of Kokanee Creek Park are clearly marked with signs that say dogs must be on leash. Furthermore, Park regulations are explicit:
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. A dog beach is beside the boat launch at the north-east end of the park. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Now, during my frequent walks in the Park, I see dogs on and off leash. Only occasionally will an off-leash dog threaten me as I walk by, but always in the past the owner has controlled the dog and has offered a weak excuse for its combative behaviour: “Sorry, he just doesn’t like men” or “I think it feels threatened by your camera.”
Today, was a bit different.
It started when I was watching birds from the west side of the creek mouth. Down the shore on the east side, a group of mergansers abruptly took to the air.
A few minutes later, and closer along the shore to me, goldeneyes took to the air. Why was this happening?
Then I saw an off-leash dog coming along the shore and ignoring its owner’s entreaties. Around the corner on the east side of the creek mouth were some mallards. Seeing them, the dog headed straight at them. The mallards panicked.
Having ignored its owners and run amuck with the wildlife, the bull terrier spotted me watching—it turned and bounded straight at me. Unlike the ducks, I could not merely lift off.
Fortunately, the deep water of the intervening creek stopped this aggressive dog short. Had it not, I suspect that my monopod might have.
Yet, I must admit that I am not a fan of the scofflaws who feel that their own dogs deserve the right to run free in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. There is a reason for the regulations.
Thank you Alistair for this frank blog. I am very much with you on the subject. A couple of months ago 2 large dogs came running to my elderly friend who was sitting on the ground trying to take a photo of an eagle. They jumped all over her – her shoulders and her head … she was unable to get up. The owners showed up half a minute later and all she got was: Don’t worry they won’t biteya. They just want to play. Would taking a monopod to such an owner count as a violent act?
Jana, whether agressive or playful, uncontrolled dogs provide an increasing danger of injury as one gets older. An owner’s dismissive claim that the dog was merely being friendly does not excuse the resulting injury. Each autumn there is a fair bit of hyperbole about the danger of bears, yet bears of my experience are far less threatening than off-leash dogs—I would rather meet a bear than a dog.
Alistair,
It’s great that you got a picture of this dog, which is one of those breeds that the government wants to ban. Obviously a good idea, and you have proof of it. I hope that someone will see this and have the powers-that-be confront the owner. If the owner sees this blog, I doubt that it will have any effect on him/her, but maybe other people will.
Some people just believe their dog is above the rules. We see this in our park, people just ignore the signs that all dogs must be leashed. We have a dog too but she is always on a leash in the park. If I saw that dog running toward me and my dog I would be very upset.
Did the owner appear to be an aging hockey commentator in a loud sports jacket?
Doug, curiously, I understand who you are talking about, though I have forgotten his name. I sort of met him once, although I have never seen him do whatever it is he does on TV.