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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. —

Most walking trails have narrow sections, on board walks and in wooded areas. In these areas, passing room is limited and some dogs, even on a leash, especially spool leashes, are dangerous. This is a safety issue.

A few years ago, two of my aunts, who are both senior citizens, were walking near Kents Pond. One of them was attacked by a small dog that she tried to pet. She needed shots and stitches to recover from her injuries. Recently, two of my sisters were walking along the seaside trail in Kelligrews. They were attacked by a large dog that was about the size of a small horse. It suddenly lunged at them. In each of these attacks, the dog was on a leash, so the outcome could have been a lot worse.

A while ago, I was walking on the Long Pond trail. I was attacked by a large Cujo-type dog. This dog was not on a leash. It ran at me and knocked me down. I felt like I was hit by a train. The trail was snow covered and slippery. I could have easily broken an arm or leg.

Recently, I was walking on the Rennies River trail. I was attacked by a pit bull type dog near St. Pats Mercy Home. The dog was on a leash. It ripped a pocket from my winter coat. I could have suffered a major injury. I often see groups of young school children walking in the area where the attack occurred. That dog could easily kill one of them.

I have also been harassed by dogs running freely in yards bordering the Rennies River trail. I think that any dog put out in a yard should be muzzled to suppress its barking and limit injury if it gets loose.

Another problem on trails is dog feces, especially during the winter. This is a health issue. Dog feces on snow is not a pleasant sight. It makes me want to vomit. Bags of feces hanging from fences and shrubs are also disgusting. Trails were never meant to be dumping grounds for shit factories.

Cujos, horse dogs and pit bulls seem to be a status symbol for some people. It seems they like intimidating people with them. This is just a power trip. Leaving shit on trails is just part of that.

For safety and health reasons, I think dogs should be barred from trails. They destroy the walking experience of many who use them. Dogs should be walked in areas where they pose no danger.

Mike Hinchey,

St John’s

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