Editor:

I grew up in Tsawwassen since 1986. My parents have resided on Murphy Drive, which dead-ends onto Pebble Hill Park. Growing up, my brother and I enjoyed using the field for baseball, soccer and just adventuring.

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I’m now in my 30s and am currently back living with my parents as I sell my own home. I have two small boys of my own, and have been enjoying the park with them. But there’s a problem now - disrespectful, negligent dog owners.

The park has now become an unofficial “off-leash” park for local dog owners, despite there being an off-leash park less than 500 metres away. Over the last two weeks my oldest son, who is yet to turn three, has been tackled and assaulted by unruly off-leash dogs that dwarf him in size.

When my wife confronted the dog owners about having their dogs on leash and in control, she has been met with hostility and disrespect. The owners claim, “This is a dog park” and “Why would you bring a child to this park?”

There are numerous signs posted about having your dog on leash, but despite this there seems to still be confusion. We have contacted the city numerous times and been met with utter apathy.

My son is a very compassionate and loving little man, and is now terrified of dogs because of this. My wife and I are dog lovers ourselves, and we believe in proper training and accountability when it comes to controlling your pet, but seem to be alone in that sentiment.

I’m writing this letter in hopes of reaching out to responsible dog owners to call for more accountability of others, as well as proper enforcement of the rules already in place. My childhood park, and part of my fondest early memories, has now become a place of fear for my children, and it sickens me to the core that no one seems to care.

Drew Whalley