Posted by: djogon in toronto dogs, ncc, kew-balmy beach, dog beach on Mar 8, 2009
Tom Godfrey from Toronto SUN writes in his article: "About 50 dog owners yesterday tried to take a bite out of Toronto city council's plan to ban their pooches from Kew-Balmy Beach. Pet lovers collected old tires, pieces of steel, coffee cups and other litter to send a message to Mayor David Miller to keep their beaches open to dogs."
Ottawa, Canada for example is even worse. There is something called NCC "National Capital Commission" that "rules" most of the waters within the city limits. Dogs must be at least 3 meters away from the shore at all times!
Dog lovers at Kew-Balmy Beach showed what kind of garbage can be found at these shores. Dogs did not leave old tires behind.
I am not sure why is it so hard to convince someone that our dogs are truly members of our families. We care for them and love them. Most would go to great lengths to protect them and make sure they have everything they need. Love for a dog is in most cases different than love for another human or a child, but it is just as deep and intense.
I am convinced that if people creating these city policies and bans would understood this basic relationship between humans and dogs that has been established for thousands of years - we would have a better place to live in for everybody.
Not everyone has to like dogs - I understand and accept that - but can we (dog lovers) not have just a tiny corner for us and our dogs in this world?
Original article can be found here. There is also a video with interviews and the actual beach - you can watch it here.