Are you sick and tired of feeling discriminated against simply because you own a dog in the city?? I sure am!

As of May 1, 2014, Hadden Park, or as many of us know it, Kits Dog Beach, will be off leash only between the hours of 6am-10am and 5pm-10pm. So during the fine summer months when we want to enjoy the outdoors with our furry best friends and give them the freedom they not only deserve but also need, we now have these time constraints to contend with. So now we must choose between our loved one and enjoying the beach?? I say this because on any other stretch of beach dogs aren't even permitted...not even on leash. Let's be honest, to many of us, our dogs are an important part of our family! Would it be reasonable to have restrictions on when our children are allowed at the beach or park?? I think not!

In a city that provides very little off leash space why take away this one too??? This small stretch of beach has been known as the dog beach to many for years, and it is enjoyed by many dogs and dog owners for years. So is the expectation to now have to load up your dog/family member in the vehicle and drive to the next off leash area?? Or not go to the beach at all?? Or leave your loved one at home while going to the beach?? Lets face it...dogs need the space to be free and run and chase balls and socialize. Whether it is a stretch of beach, or a park, they NEED it!! So unless it is going to be illegal to own a dog all together, then the city needs to provide the space to allow what is NEEDED!! Why can't we, as dog owners, have the right to the same enjoyment as everyone else?! Forget that we have limited rental opportunities and increased rent when dogs are permitted...oh and as a Vancouver by law officer recently stated..we now should anticipate using the restroom before walking our dogs!!! It seems this fine city of Vancouver continues to make it unreasonably difficult to own a dog in this city.

Lets speak up for our furry best friends and demand that our rights be acknowledged and respected!!! Let our dogs be dogs! Keep Hadden Park (kits dog beach) off leash, all hours!!