I've been noticing a disturbing trend in Prince George dog parks; that of animal abuse.
Having recently returned to Prince George, I started to frequent the dog park beside Duchess Park. Not long after, I started witnessing instances of dog owners yanking on their dog's leash, screaming in their dog's face and hitting or even kicking their dog.
Like myself, others in the dog parks seem unsure of what to do. Often times the people perpetrating this abuse are bigger-built men and don't take kindly to others interfering with the rearing of their dog. For people who have the courage to approach these animal abusers I often hear the abusers say "stay out of it" and "it's none of your business."
This situation is similar to when members of the public try to interject when they see a parent spanking or harshly disciplining their child in public. Often times the parent will say, "this is my child and it's none of your business."
As recently as last week I visited what looks to be a newly formed dog park on the Hart Highway, just off Glenview Drive. I was there with my dogs along with a man, his female companion and their dogs. One of his dogs would not release a stick that the dog was playing with. As soon as the owner was able to get the stick loose from the dog's mouth, he proceeded to hit the cowering dog multiple times with the stick while his female companion looked on. I was at a loss on what to do or say as he was a bigger man and I felt uneasy with what he may do to my dogs or me should I confront him about the abusive treatment of his defenseless dog.
I packed up my dogs and left the dog park. I feel as though I was no better than the abuser by leaving and not saying something or trying to stop it. It breaks my heart to think of those defenseless dogs that no doubt experience abuse by this man (and possibly woman) every day and may have to endure for many years to come.
I have lived in many cities, from Calgary to Kamloops to Victoria, and not once did I see the kind of animal abuse at dog parks in those cities as I have in the Prince George dog parks.
As an animal lover and someone who wants to speak for those who do not have a voice, I am at a loss for words on how to stop this abuse against our furry family members. Often times the men (and women) perpetrating this abuse are not only the kind of people you wouldn't want to approach on a good day, they are also not receptive to any kind of suggestions on how to humanely treat dogs.
Welcoming a dog (or any animal) into your home and family is a privilege. Similarly, dog parks are a privilege as well.
My only suggestion to stop these public displays of abuse against animals is for the City of Prince George to take this privilege away and close down all dog parks in Prince George. Of course this punishes the kind and responsible dog guardians and does nothing to address the abuse that is occurring behind closed doors.
Perhaps a sign can be posted at the front gate/entrance of each dog park that says animal abuse will not be tolerated and a phone number for the Prince George SPCA, Prince George bylaw services and the Prince George RCMP non-emergency line. And maybe dog parks could be monitored by security cameras.
While I would urge everyone to confront these animal abusers when they catch them in the act, I know this is not always practical or safe, I've found myself in this situation more times than I'd like to admit. But if anyone has witnessed abuse against dogs in Prince George dog parks and has suggestions on how to stop it, I encourage them to bring it forward to whatever outlet they think would be able to make a difference, such as letters to the editor, posts on social media, the SPCA, the RCMP, etc.
Let's work together to make Prince George dog parks not only fun, but also safe for our four-legged family members.
Miranda Schmold
Prince George
