Submissions

To: Hamilton City Council
Date: October 2024

Purpose

This submission’s primary purpose is to provide feedback to ensure the safety and accessibility of public spaces for disabled people in terms of managing the opportunities and risks posed by pet/animal ownership. DPA recognises the important role of service animals and companion animals for disabled people. DPA commends the re-writing of the animal nuisance and dog control bylaws to make them more accessible/understandable while also raising concerns regarding the control of unleashed dogs and the appropriate location of dog parks.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA recognizes the important role dogs and other animals play as companion and service animals for an increasing number of disabled people. DPA welcomes the accessible, simplified re-writing of the Animal Nuisance Bylaw. DPA supports the banning of unleashed dogs from the Hamilton CBD and other high-foot traffic areas, with appropriate fines for intentional violations. DPA acknowledges the public demand for more off-lead dog exercise areas in public parks but stresses that these must be balanced with the safety and accessibility needs of disabled people, older people, and young children. DPA is concerned that some proposed off-lead areas cut across important footpath and walkway connections.

Key Recommendation:

DPA recommends that unleashed dogs are banned from the CBD and other high foot traffic areas of the city with appropriate fines for any owners or people controlling them who intentionally do so, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Supporting Statement 1:

DPA members have expressed concerns about the increasing number of unleashed dogs roaming around the streets of the central city.