Sincerely,

Dianne Eibner
Founder/President
www.pdwai.com

June 2006

Dear PDWAI Members:

Concerning the issues with the City of Toronto bylaw and permits for dog walkers:

As the professional dog walking industry evolves it appears that we are now seeing the emergence of local organizations like the DWCT and TADA, which were formed to handle local dog walking issues that arise in their own "backyard". With these new organizations now in place, the PDWAI can change it's focus and no longer be involved in local dog walking political issues. With the other groups in Toronto representing professional dog walkers, I believe that there is enough representation to handle your concerns and provide the results that you want.

The PDWAI was formed back in 1997 / 98 when the same issue of a 3 dog bylaw was about to be implemented. The issue caused many concerns thus the Professional Dog Walkers Association was formed. The reason for creating the association was due to a political issue, however our mandate was never to fight political battles. Our mandate is to improve professionalism within the dog walking industry. I feel that concentrating on the improvement and betterment of professional dog walkers and the association, should be the main focus for the members.

I will continue to be involved as a business owner / dog walker and will provide you with any updates through means of the other groups representing dog walkers in Toronto regarding the City of Toronto bylaw and permits for dogs walkers as they arise. I do encourage all of you to participate; to read the City of Toronto web site to understand what they are proposing, here's a link: http://www.Toronto.ca/parks/pdf/rennaissance/EDPC-May-4-06-3.pdf; to involve your clients; contact your local councillor; create park committees; and to understand the process which may be taking place that will affect your livelihood.

I have attended meetings in the past for professional dog walkers where many of you expressed concerns about the restrictions that a permit system can impose. Restrictions are being discussed and implemented right now within the City Parks yet as I experienced it, the sub committee did not agree to a permit system, we agreed to a registration system. I do not know if the others in the sub committee are addressing this issue, but I have tried. I submitted your questions and expressed your concerns many of which are still not addressed. I feel it does not make a good impression for the PDWAI to partake in any further misleading and untruthful antics. As I understand it, the bylaw limiting the number of dogs a Toronto dog owner may walk could remain at a maximum of 3 dogs.

This bylaw came into realization last year to our surprise and there was no public consultation before it was passed. There has never been any public consultation concerning whether the "3 dog bylaw" should remain. An exemption to the bylaw was made for professional dog walkers to a limit of 5 dogs. With the "3 dog bylaw" in place, I feel it is being used as the premise, the foundation for a purpose to implement a permit system on dog walkers. Perhaps if the 3 dog bylaw was changed and set at a legal limit of 6, as the industry standard, then the professional dog walker would not be affected negatively through a restrictive permit system and the dog owner would not face any new limitations either. An actual reason for implementing a permit system has not been established, and the reasons to date have changed many times. For clarification, please read my deputation on the PDWAI website www.pdwai.com

Many PDWAI members' concerns were reiterated to the DWCT, therefore repeated and submitted to the Parks Dept.

Although the same concerns have been indicated to the Parks Dept., I have witnessed the proceedings develop even though there has been opposition. My voice is not being heard, which means at this point, neither is yours.

Andrew Morris of the DWCT has been in discussions with Animal Services. Sandy Straw of the Parks Dept. said that we all stand to benefit from these discussions and his efforts. The subject of the "discussions" has not been disclosed.

I feel that it is necessary for you to reiterate your concerns to the person who has cooperation from the City. Andrew Morris, the creator of the Dog Walkers Coalition of Toronto can be contacted at Andrew@metrodogstop.com

For more information about TADA - Toronto Area Dog Walkers Alliance please contact Luan Egan at thatlldolu@yahoo.com

I will persevere for answers, however, I encourage all of you to do the same and participate; speak up for yourselves; involve your clients; and create park committees. If you do not speak up, I am afraid that the outcome may not be what you had hoped for.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Take care and have a safe and happy summer.