Some of you may already be aware, the Parks and Recreation Dept. created a Dogs In Parks Strategy (DIPS).

Part of the proposed strategy involves a bylaw limiting the number of dogs that may be walked at a time. A bylaw was passed in April of 2005 limiting a person to 3 dogs. There was no public consultation on this matter before it was made law. So it came as a bit of a shock to local dog walkers to find that they were suddenly breaking the law if walking more than three dogs at a time and were being threatened with a ticket for over $300. While there are a few dog walkers that walk more than 6 dogs and draw negative attention to the profession, the industry standard (as set out in the code of conduct of the Professional Dog Walkers Association International) has been a maximum of six dogs per walk, and many dog walkers voluntarily limit themselves to four or five maximum.

Further to that, the City is proposing to "register" dog walkers for a fee of $100 in order to regulate. At the DIPS City sub committee meeting on April 13th, Sandy Straw the Manager of the Parks Dept. told the group that the Legal Department for the City recommends "calling it a permit". There have been many concerns expressed about this. The meanings of these two words are not synonymous.

Some think that the City's legal department wants to "call it a permit" because with a permit, the city has more leeway to implement further restrictions on our industry. They have already been talking about restrictions presently; banning pro dog walkers from parks and telling us where and when we can walk dogs - this could make it impossible for us to carry on business. We feel clarification from the City is required, before this permit (registration the City is telling us) is implemented. Restrictions such as banning us from certain parks is currently in the works, and we have not yet even registered. We are concerned that there will be even further restrictions that will negatively affect the way we walk your dog.

Sandy Straw already once tried to instill a "revoking" of our registration whereas if found in violation of any two rules, our privilege of walking 6 dogs would be revoked and we would be restricted to a limit of 3 dogs. This was something the sub committee unanimously opposed and at the time, it was wiped off the table.

However, since the city is calling it a permit (even though we have been told that it is a registration) it will only be a matter of time before the revoking comes back. A permit is permission to do something and permission can be taken away.

To be restricted to three dogs per walk would greatly limit our availability to our clients and their dogs. This would result in shorter walks and/or increased rates. To pay the City a $100 fee and still have it hanging over our heads that we could be restricted to three dogs is not a registration system.

The proposal is a two-tiered system, whereas dog walkers that agree to be registered with the City will be allowed to walk up to six dogs. Unregistered dog walkers and all other individuals will be limited to walking a maximum of three dogs.

I don't find it necessary to have a limit of three dogs. The dog owner has never faced a limit but would now be affected with this new system. The PDWAI did not make any suggestion that there be two bylaws, nor do they claim they represent the thoughts and needs of you, the dog owner.

Another proposal being discussed is to implement more parks in the City which would have the opportunity for an off-leash area. While more off-leash areas are sorely needed, fences need to be included as part of the plan. The City seems to be against implementing any more fenced in off leash dog parks. Parks such as Norwood and Wildwood, are parks that have worked very well for everyone, owners and walkers. These parks have committees made up of both dog owners and pro dog walkers. At the April 13th meeting, we were told that the fences may be taken away from those parks. City staff suggested that it poses "entrapment issues". A secure 4' fence with gated access would keep your dogs safe inside and the community safe outside and is not likely to trap anyone.

These matters are scheduled to go before the Economical Development and Parks Committee on May 4th, 2006. These matters may be passed without any further public input unless people contact their elected officials.

We need your support. We feel that our voices would be better heard if you speak up for us too. Would you take a moment and write a letter to the Economic Development and Parks Committee and tell them that you oppose the fact that your dog walker might be unknowingly permitted; unwillingly and unjustifiably limited to walking three dogs - cutting their income in half; banned from walking in certain parks - these parks are paid for by you as taxpayers. These are your dogs. If we are banned from local off-leash areas, where are we to take them? The reason for the fee of the so-called "registration" has not been warranted. The PDWAI has asked pertinent questions which have not been answered. We have asked for proof of the complaints which the City claims are due to pro dog walkers, but we were told that information is private.

Contact information to send a faxed letter to the May 4^th meeting is:

Economic Development and Parks Committee C/O
Merle MacDonald mmacdona@toronto.ca
416-392-7340
Fax# 416-392-1879

To Contact Sandy Straw, Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation directly you can call 416-392-1909 or e-mail sstraw@toronto.ca

One way to ensure that the parks remain available for everyone, fences are not taken away, and your dog walker can continue their service to you without increase of rates or decrease in walk time, is to participate in an Off Leash Park Committee. Dog owners need to be proactive, whether they are utilizing the parks themselves or through their designated dog walker. Call your dog walker and discuss these issues with them. Help make our Parks system one that is safe and enjoyable for kids, dogs and ALL users.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Sincerely,

Dianne Eibner,
Founder/President - Professional Dog Walkers Association International
www.prodogwalker.com

On behalf of your Professional Dog Walker.