When it comes to finding additional areas around Waterloo where dog owners can let pets play off-leash, sports fields are out.

That's the general consensus from folks who reached out after I suggested that some of our parks, provided they are remote from residential areas, be made available for this purpose at set times.

"You might be surprised, as I was, to learn that you can't even play soccer or baseball on an unused city field without a permit and twice I have be told so much for doing so," Sean Borman wrote. "Be prepared for a litany of excuses ranging from liability to maintenance concerns."

The majority of folks who contacted me felt natural areas and parkland should be considered, but this doesn't work for Borman either. He doesn't have a dog, and he and his children are "totally annoyed" by off-leash dogs to the point he feels they can no longer visit their favourite local natural area on days when off-leash dogs are likely to be in abundance.

"I think any designation of new off-leash space, regardless of where that is should be married with enforcement of the leash bylaws in the 'unofficial' off-leash areas," Borman said.

Longtime Waterloo resident Kenneth Coe feels that enough city property has already gone to the dogs, more shouldn't be added. He covers a lot of territory while out walking his dog and in his opinion, incidences of owners not picking up pet waste are on the rise.

Coe is particularly puzzled by those who take the time to bag waste, but then leave it behind. He is also annoyed by those who dispose of dog waste in city garbage cans.

"Perhaps stoop, scoop and dispose of properly is just too complicated for some," Coe said. "Maybe they do not realize that it is a biohazard and needs to be green binned."

"Let's leave the sports fields unmolested by dog walkers. Let's try and reduce the taint rather than expand it," said Coe.

Compared to Waterloo, Kitchener offers its residents two off-leash dog parks, while London provides three and Hamilton offers five.