The city has installed dog parking stations in downtown Rossland.
Located in six locations, the parking spots can be used to tie up dogs for up to 30 minutes while dog owners run quick errands downtown.
Current city bylaws prohibit dogs from being left unattended downtown, but in response to a man being lunged at by a dog left tied next to the Thrift Store, city officials decided to introduce approved tie up areas away from main foot traffic areas.
“We’ve had a lot of complaints about people wanting to tie their dogs in front of businesses and that creates a hazard on the sidewalk. You know, some people have tripped over leashes or they’re concerned, or there was a dog that lunged at a passerby,” explained Mayor Kathy Moore.
Introducing dog parking was first brought up at council as early as last summer, around the same time that Trails Pet Supplies & Services set up its own dog parking spot behind the store.
“It’s actually something we talked about before, but never actually implemented,” said Moore. “So many thanks to staff for getting it done.”
The parking locations can be found at the following locations:
Below Ferraro Foods by the delivery bay;
Beside City Hall on the east side;
Behind the BC Liquor Store;
West of the Cold Beer and Wine store by the parking lot;
East of the Rossland Public Library in the green space;
And west of the post office, in the walkway.
The city warns that any dog left at one of the stations for over-extended period of time may be taken to the SPCA and/or the owner will be fined. Owners who leave their dogs tied elsewhere in the downtown area, or who allow their dogs off-leash while downtown will also face fines, as Moore says the city plans to step up on enforcing the bylaw.