COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – Starting today until May 20, dogs must be leashed at Goose Spit Park due to Brant geese migration.
This is according to a release from the Comox Valley Regional District, which also noted that, from April to June, dogs must be on leash at Seal Bay Park due to the nesting and fawn season.
Enforcement is being done by regular patrols by CVRD staff, security, park stewards and animal control officers.
The enforcement no longer involves the SPCA.
At Nymph Falls, and a large portion of Seal Bay and Wildwood Forest, leashing of pets is optional provided they are kept under control.
Leashing-mandatory Comox Valley Parks include:
- Little River
- Barbara Road
- Lazo Wildlife
- Masters Wildlife
- One Spot
- Wildwood Marsh
- Royston Seaside Trail
- Bear Creek – hatchery trails (August 1 until December 31 due to salmon spawning)
- Goose Spit (March 1 until May 20 due to Brant geese migration)
- Seal Bay – April, May and June: all trails due to nesting and fawn season, and year round: east side (water side) of Bates Rd and Swamp Loop
Leashing-Optional Comox Valley Parks
- Bear Creek (January 1 to July 31)
- Goose Spit (May 21 to Feb. 28)
- Royston to Cumberland Railway Trail
- Seal Bay (July 1 to March 30 except east side of Bates Road and Swamp Loop Trail)
- All other Comox Valley parks
What does ‘leashing optional’ mean?
- In leashing optional park areas, dogs may walk off-leash as long as they are kept under control and:
- are on a travelled surface or trail and within 10 m (30 feet) of the person who has care and control of it
- are responsive and immediately return when called
- are not molesting, harassing or attacking any person or animal
Dangerous dog definition
A dangerous dog is defined as a dog that has killed or injured a person or a domestic animal.
This also includes any dog which, when unprovoked, attacks, chases or approaches in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.
Dangerous dogs must be leashed and muzzled, and must be under the effective control of a person 16 years of age or older.
