Achi news desk-
The City of Westmount is threatening to get tough on dog owners after complaints about off-leash dogs at Summit Park created local tension.
Several people showed up at Monday night’s council meeting to discuss the issue.
Homeowners bordering the park want the city to try to ensure that off-leash dogs and their owners no longer wreak havoc in and out of the park or block parking on their private property.
Part of the forest has been designated as an off-leash dog park.
Now, the city says it will ensure dog owners have permits and say they must control their animals or face fines.
“Be sure that public safety will be there and there will be enforcement and tickets. And people will be unhappy about it, and that’s going to be part of the education of it,” Westmount Mayor Christina Smith said. “The reason you need a dog permit is so we can track your dog, they have all their wax and we can tell if they’re dangerous. We’re very good at giving out parking tickets and we’re going to be very good at giving out dog fines.”
The mayor also asked the residents to improve public discourse and call public security or the police if necessary.
