DIDSBURY - The Town of Didsbury's council has received and reviewed a report prepared by administration on the enforcement and upkeep of the municipally-owned dog park, located at 1619 - 22nd Ave.
The update came during recent, regularly-scheduled May 13 council meeting.
At the April 8 council meeting, administration reported on recent maintenance at the park, noting that a substantial amount of accumulated dog feces had been collected for disposal by town staff.
In response to the report, council instructed administration to report on the “condition and enforcement of general pet-ownership upkeep in the park for referral to the service level committee.”
In the update report, administration said, “It is typical each spring, after snow has melted, that town staff are required to do a clean-up of the dog park due to a significant accumulation of animal faces in the winter months. The clean-up includes the use of the power lawn sweeper to clear waste and other debris. The accumulation of waste is not typically a problem through the spring and summer months.”
The report also stated that, “While enforcement of the responsible pet ownership bylaw at the dog park is ongoing, it is difficult to enforce non-compliance for pick-up of dog waste.
“Typically if an owner notices the presence of the community peace officers, they will pick up after their pet. If an officer is not present, it is unlikely for witnesses to come forward with the appropriate evidence.”
Council carried a motion to refer the dog park service level to the service level committee for review and recommendation.
