Editor:
Due to COVID, the need for social distancing, and the fact that many exercise facilities are not open, there is a great need for safe and stress-free outdoor recreation. This, however, has not been my experience lately while trying to enjoy forest walks in Kinnikinnick Park.
On several occasions I have had the misfortune to cross paths with a large, aggressive, unleashed dog. The first time (three or so months ago) was when a woman was walking this dog with some three others. She had difficulty controlling them all, shouting at them and furiously blowing on her dog whistle. When the dog rushed at me, started barking, and finally jumped up and snapped at my face, barely missing me as I moved back, she said it was my fault as I must have moved too quickly and the dog construed this as an aggressive act.
My most recent encounter with, I believe, the same dog was last Monday. The dog walked by me but then turned around and clamped its jaws around my calf. It happened so quickly I was stunned. This time a younger woman was walking the dog and she too was incredulous that it had done anything wrong, even when I showed her the red marks on my leg. She seemed rattled and as no blood was drawn, I told her I was OK and carried on my way before the dog did me any further damage.
But blood was indeed drawn, as after I’d exited the park I felt blood running down my shin on the other leg. It must have happened when I backed further into some sharp bushes to get away when the dog bit me.
Mine is not a singular event. I have friends that are leery of walking in the park due to out-of-control pets. One has been bitten as well.
I appeal to the bylaw officer and parks manager to take my experience seriously. Perhaps it is time to review Kinnikinnick’s “off leash” designation, or at least implement a timetable when dog owners can walk their animals, so that we pedestrians can enjoy our time slot without the fear of being mauled.
B. Boguslawski, Sechelt
