Dog bites

Its difficult when we talk of children getting hurt not to have an emotional response. Hearing about a 3 year old girl getting bitten by a rottweiller and having surgery to reconstruct her nose definitely tugs at ones heart strings. One city alderman would like for there to be a bylaw that if your dog bites and draws blood then it is put down, but I dont think a blanket bylaw like that is the answer. Dog bites must be handled on a case by case basis, and handled by a non bias third party. We already have by-laws about dogs being on leashes and where a dog can and cant be. The province has a process in place to handle requests that a dog be put down, and we have rules for animals deemed vicious. I do believe what we already have in place is sufficent.

Another question that Ive heard a lot of talk about is whether we should ban dogs from being at a park like the bear creek ball diamonds. For me, its not about where a dog should or shouldnt be, its about the supervision that is being provided. If you bring your dog into a public area you must be prepared to care for that dog the entire time you are out. I dont know much of the details of the specific case that happend recently, but I am a firm believer that if you are watching your children or pets that accidents, like a dog bite, can be avoided.

Dredging the Reservoir

Lets face it, sometimes, the reservoir stinks! It would be nice to have in dredged and turned into a lake. I could see a nice beach to go along with rotary campground, and more canoeing and kayaking. Surely the city could find it in the budget to make these improvements, after all dredging isn't that difficult right? There are a few problems I do have, one is how we would keep it clean enough to swim in. The creek runs into the reservoir from bear lake, which isn't a lake Id swim in either, and also collects water from farm run off. Another issue would be where will the wildlife go? There are many different birds and animals that use the reservoir, it is an important part of our eco-system. I would like to see more recreational use of this area, its still fine to canoe on and there is already a canoe rental place. The smell is definitely a deterrent, but I don't think ultimately dredging it is the answer. We have a lake close by that, with a little more attention, would be a fine place to spend the day (that being Saskatoon Park)! I think the moeny could be better spent elsewhere.