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Dogs and cats pose a threat to the delicate ecological balance of the Northeast Swale in Saskatoon, so city hall is proposing to ban them from the area.

A report to be considered by city council’s planning, development and community services committee on Monday proposes the swale be included among the areas in the city where dogs are not allowed.

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Louise Jones of the Northeast Swale Watchers conservation group said she approves of the move.

“The measure is necessary to protect the wildlife,” Jones said in a text message. “As a dog owner, I know that dogs on the leash are not happy if they cannot run, and if they run they will disturb the wildlife.”

Photo by Michelle Berg / Michelle Berg

The swale is a 26-kilometre stretch of land with several large ponds created by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago. It’s an example of disappearing native prairie and is noteworthy for the number of different species that call the area home.

Several threatened animal and plant species live in the swale. About 200 plant species and 100 bird species can be found in the swale habitat.