To the editor:
I am writing this letter to alert the community that on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 31, I was attacked by a dog while enjoying a nature walk in Beasley Park.
I was walking west on the bark mulch trail when I saw a couple with a large dog ahead of me. The dog ran past me, then attached from behind, biting me on the inside of my right knee.
I informed the dog owner, who said her dog couldn't possibly have bitten me, until I pulled up my pant leg and showed her the bleeding wound. She was appalled and very contrite. She volunteered her information, and I informed the dog control office, and an agent followed up and the appropriate disciplinary action was taken.
I was traumatized by this event, both physically and emotionally. It is evident dogs do not belong in public parks.
Reiswig Park has "No Dogs" signs posted. Beasley Park has a sign which allows dogs on leash October to April.
Last year my friend, who lives near the park, and I sent emails to, as well as spoke with, the regional district and Lake Country council asking them to remove the existing dog sign on the gate off Clement Road, and to put a more visible "No Dogs" sign on the fence on Clement Road.
Unfortunately, they simply moved the existing sign allowing dogs on leash in the winter to the fence.
We also attended several meetings which asked for public input regarding parks, and we again asked for no dogs in public parks.
In our experience, as regular walkers through these parks, dogs run loose all year. It is time to take a stand, and remove dogs from the parks. It is possible next time a child or some other defenseless person will be maimed, or worse.
Dog owners may use the dog park on Woodsdale Road opposite Turtle Bay Court.
I live in Kelowna, and I experience the same problem with dogs running loose, or being taken to beaches that are off limits to dogs.
There are many dog parks available, and even dog beaches. We require better regulations and policing of this escalating problem and now, as a victim of this dog control issue, I want to see some preventative action.
Anita Lawry, Kelowna