Vancouver resident Amy Lazer is frustrated by the perceived lack of enforcement of dog leash bylaws, particularly in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, where she was recently knocked down by unleashed dogs. Metro Vancouver and the City of Vancouver acknowledge the issue, with Metro Vancouver updating its Dog Management Program and the City increasing enforcement and signage due to a growing number of incidents, including fatal ones for pets.
Are leash bylaws enforced enough? Woman frustrated with rule-breaking Vancouver dog owners
Vancouver
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Vancouver resident Amy Lazer is frustrated by the perceived lack of enforcement of dog leash bylaws, particularly in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, where she was recently knocked down by unleashed dogs. Metro Vancouver and the City of Vancouver acknowledge the issue, with Metro Vancouver updating its Dog Management Program and the City increasing enforcement and signage due to a growing number of incidents, including fatal ones for pets.
- 1 Earlier this year: Metro Vancouver collected public feedback through an online survey for its Dog Management Program.
- 2 2024: Metro Vancouver rangers issued 74 tickets for off-leash dogs in Pacific Spirit Regional Park; City of Vancouver reported four fatal incidents involving off-leash dogs.
- 3 First six months of 2025: City of Vancouver rangers issued 36 tickets for off-leash violations; City of Vancouver reported two fatal incidents involving off-leash dogs so far.
- 4 Recent walk: Amy Lazer was knocked to the ground by a group of unleashed dogs.
- 5 Fall 2025: Updates to Metro Vancouver's Dog Management Program are expected to be implemented.
- 6 Currently: Amy Lazer is tallying off-leash dogs; Metro Vancouver is analyzing survey responses; City of Vancouver has increased enforcement and placed new signage.
- Public safety concerns
- Harm to sensitive ecosystems
- Personal distress for residents (e.g., Amy Lazer's PTSD triggered)
- Incidents involving off-leash dogs, including four fatal to pets in 2024 and two so far in 2025
- Frustration among residents
What: Frustration over unenforced dog leash bylaws, incidents involving off-leash dogs, and ongoing efforts by authorities to update and enforce bylaws.
When: Wednesday (current discussion), earlier this year (survey), fall 2025 (updates expected), 2024 (tickets issued, fatal incidents), first six months of 2025 (tickets issued, fatal incidents so far this year).
Where: Vancouver, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Iron Knee Trail, beaches, tennis courts.
Why: Lack of enforcement, a sense of entitlement among some dog owners, public safety concerns, protection of sensitive ecosystems, and personal distress (PTSD) for residents.
How: Dog owners flouting rules, incidents occurring, a resident speaking out, regional government updating programs, and the city increasing enforcement and signage.