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LETTERS: Promote good dog ownership

I would like to thank Peninsula News Review for the balanced and helpful editorial, “Parks are public places,” Jan. 25.

As a taxpayer, dog owner and President of Citizen Canine Dog Owners Association, I would like to thank Peninsula News Review for the balanced and helpful editorial, “Parks are public places,” Jan. 25.

Citizen Canine was formed in response to growing pressure from an intolerant minority that sought to blame dogs for perceived problems in parks and to promote increased restrictions or outright bans on dogs as the only solution. We advocate on behalf of the region’s dog owners for continued on and off-leash access to Greater Victoria’s parks and beaches.  We promote responsible dog ownership, and believe that education is the key to co-existence among park users.

Despite letter-writer Claire Bouchard’s assertion to the contrary (Letters, Jan. 25), the majority of dog owners are happy to share the region’s parks and public green spaces with other users, and grateful for the privilege. Certainly, there are a minority who are not responsible, and it is they who need to be targeted with education and bylaw enforcement.

Mark Hawkes, Brentwood Bay