For Gary Overs of Gary Overs Kennelling and Obedience, one of the most important things in an off-leash dog park is space and following the rules.
“I think it’d be neat if everybody plays by the rules,” said Overs, citing an example of people cleaning up after their dogs. “We could use one.”
Details of choosing a location for an off-leash dog park were discussed during Monday’s executive committee meeting. The majority of executive voted in favour of Coun. Don Mitchell’s motion to table the decision of the dog park’s location and the proposed $2 surcharge on dog licenses to offset operational costs for six weeks.
According to a report from the parks and recreation department, the annual operating cost is estimated at $5,000. The budget for the park development is $70,000.
The city has a service agreement with the Moose Jaw Humane Society where all funds generated from dog licenses go to assist in funding animal control and animal keeper fees outlined in the Moose Jaw Humane Society Fee for Service agreement.
Under the agreement, all revenues collected under the dog bylaw over $48,000 will be paid directly to the humane society. The annual revenue over the past three years has been slightly below $48,000. Administration is negotiating a new agreement with the shelter. City manager Garry McKay said the shelter would make a presentation to council at its next regular meeting.
“I think it’s a worthwhile venture,” said Mitchell. “If we’re going to be meeting with the humane society, (we should) table this.”
For more information, see an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
