My wife and I are passionate runners, but we find ourselves unable to fully enjoy the trails and sidewalks in our beloved Amherstburg due to an increasing issue - dogs loose or off leash. This is not only a nuisance but also a safety concern for us and many others who use these public spaces.

According to a study by the University of British Columbia, there were 13,213 emergency department visits for dog bites in Canada between 2013-2017. These statistics highlight the potential risk that off-leash dogs can pose. 

In addition, it's important to note that leash laws exist for good reasons. They protect people from unwanted interactions with dogs, prevent potential accidents caused by dogs running into traffic or getting lost, and they respect the rights of other trail users who may have allergies or fears related to dogs.

We are calling on town council in Amherstburg to enforce existing leash laws on walking trails and sidewalks more strictly as well as a introduce a fine structure for owners of habitually loose dogs. I would also like council to considering the lead of several other small towns in Ontario by banning extendable leashes on sidewalks. We believe this will make our town safer and more enjoyable for everyone - runners like us, families with children, elderly citizens out for a stroll or even other pet owners who abide by these rules.

Please sign this petition if you agree that everyone should be able to enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces without fear or inconvenience caused by loose dogs.