News Municipal Sports turf
Dog owners upset over proposal to erect fencing to separate dog park from ball diamonds

Disgruntled dog owners in Vernon, B.C. are protesting the erection of a planned fence behind two ball diamonds that would make it more difficult for seniors to walk their pets.

About 30 dog owners or walkers turned out to a recent council meeting to voice their displeasure over the planned fencing that would cut into an off-leash dog park. At issue is the fencing would be placed in the dog park’s flat area, challenging seniors to walk their dogs.

The municipality has argued fencing would prevent dog-related injuries from occurring, noting there have been several unsafe encounters in the past between dogs and sports enthusiasts. The local baseball association says the number of incidents have been on the rise of late.

The protesters said they were also upset they weren’t consulted about the fencing proposal.