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Mar 2016A Community Working Together for a North End Dog Park
Posted by Windog / in INFORMATION / 1 comment
A Community Working Together for a North End Dog Park
A beloved North Ender with no place to play
Photo credit: Nicole Joy
A group of North End dog lovers want the City to create a fenced off-leash dog park in their neighbourhood, a project organizers say will bring about real change for people and dogs that live in the area. WINDOG is there to support them.
Photo credit: petMD
“Friends of a North End Dog Park” is asking the City to designate a patch of unused green space in the Old Exhibition Grounds near Dufferin and Sinclair. The site has served as an unofficial neighbourhood dog park for years but people who let their dogs off-leash risk hefty fines.
In the past three days, 150 people have signed the “Friends of a North End Dog Park” petition. 9 businesses and community organizations have lent their support by making the petition available for community residents to sign.
Meet Me at the Bell Tower AYO event March 11, 2016
Supporters can sign the petition at the following locations:
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Aboriginal Vision for the North End – 586 Selkirk Ave
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Animal Hospital of Manitoba – 995 Main St.
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Bird Shop & Aquarium – 1034 Main Street
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Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – 318 Anderson Ave
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McPhillips Animal Hospital – 2211B McPhillips St.
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North End Family Centre – 1344 Main Street
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Pet Valu – 2136 McPhillips
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Seven Oaks Veterinary Hospital – 1830 Main Street
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YMCA – 363 McGregor (daytime only)
New sponsors are coming on board and locations can change so please check this site before you make a special trip to sign the petition.
Why a North End dog park?
Winnipeg Animal Services estimates there are about 112,000 dogs in the city. Many live in the North End.
Supporter of a North End Dog Park, Minister of Jobs and the Economy and life-long North End resident, Kevin Chief with his family and Buddy
Photo credit: Winnipeg Free Press
Photo credit: Jane Beauchamp, The Noble Hound
Nicole Joy, one of the organizers, says the neighbourhood has needed an off-leash dog park for a very long time. “We need a place where people can go to socialize their dogs properly, where dogs can be around other dogs and people. It’s hard to socialize your dog by walking it on-leash on the street”.
Joy points to a number of neighbourhood issues.
Photo credit: Shepherd and Bengal
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There are no off-leash dog parks in Winnipeg’s North End and there are none within walking distance.
Photo credit: Miriadna
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A high percentage of dog owners who live in the North End do not have vehicles and have no way to take their dogs to off-leash areas in the suburbs, where dog parks are located. The closest dog park is Woodsworth, near Selkirk Avenue and Route 90. Little Mountain and Kilcona are also popular off-leash areas, but all of these parks are out of reach for North End dog owners who don’t have vehicles.
Photo credit: Miriadna
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Many North End dogs never leave their own yards. As a result, they are poorly socialized and under-exercised.
Photo credit: Miriadna
Photo credit: Miriadna
Why are off-leash dog parks good for communities?
Everyone benefits from off-leash area dog parks.
Photo credit: Kevin King, Winnipeg Sun
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Dog parks reduce the number of dogs on streets, in parks and other public places, minimizing contact between dogs and people who don’t like or are afraid of dogs.
Photo credit: Vince Pahkala Photography
Photo credit: Vince Pakhala Photography
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Off-leash dog parks foster good canine citizenship.
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Dog parks are where dogs learn social skills.
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A well-socialized dog is less apt to bite.
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A well-socialized dog is less likely to be fearful or aggressive toward strangers.
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A well-socialized dog doesn’t feel the need to display dominance with other dogs.
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A tired dog’s a good dog!
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Many undesirable dog behaviors are caused by a lack of physical and mental activity.
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Dogs that exercise strenuously are better neighbours; less prone to excessive barking, destroying property, and biting.
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Dog parks stimulate social interaction because dogs are great icebreakers. Dog parks help neighbours get to know each other, foster friendships and strengthen communities.
Photo credit: Jeff Henry
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Dog parks encourage healthy activities and reduce public health care costs. They help people lose weight, lower cholesterol, ease stress.
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Dog parks provide a safe option for seniors and those who find it difficult to walk a dog on leash.
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The presence of people and dogs has been shown to deter crime and vandalism in adjacent areas.
Photo credit: EgoPet
Please show your support for a fully fenced off-leash dog park in Winnipeg’s North End!
You do not have to be a dog owner to benefit.
Happy days at the dog park!
