Dear Editor:
The new regulation stating that dogs must be walked on leash in the trails in Lynn Headwaters is totally unreasonable. At the entrance to the headwaters, in the picnic area, it makes sense. Beyond that area, on the Lynn Loop and other trails, it makes no sense at all.
In fact, it can be dangerous to have a dog on a leash while negotiating certain sections of these trails. It is no fun for the person and no fun for the dog to have them on a leash. For years, families have been walking dogs off leash in this area with no problems. Personally, I have been walking these trails for many, many years, have never had a problem with dogs off leash. In fact, during my walks, I rarely see more than a few people each time.
Apparently there was "an incident" involving a dog and because of this everything has changed. This is a wilderness area. If people cannot handle an encounter with a dog, what are they going to do when they encounter a bear?
There are many areas where people can walk without dogs - Rice Lake and the Demonstration Forest to name a couple, but fewer and fewer off-leash trails. There are more people that own dogs than do not, and now one or two people have ruined it for all who own well-behaved dogs and get exercise and enjoyment walking our local trails.
If you disagree with the new rule that dogs must be on leash in Lynn Headwaters trails, please contact Regional Parks, Metro Vancouver and voice your concern.
Debra Dunne North Vancouver
