Keep dogs on leash in public, warns Meyer
Parks Department staff have been bitten by dogs running in the park without leashes.
JAMESON Park has long been a favourite destination for dog owners to walk their dogs.
According to ward councillor Martin Meyer, people living above the park access the park through a gate on Montpelier Road, however Parks Department staff recently locked the gate during the day, making it very difficult for people to access the park, since only the gate at the bottom at Musgrave Road is now open.
“I had a meeting with Jabulani Mdiniso from Parks, who informed me the reason the gate was now locked was that his staff had been bitten by dogs which weren’t on leashes. The dogs were also, according to him, destroying the flower beds. The problem thus seems to be mainly dogs which aren’t on leashes. The bylaws require dogs in public spaces to be leashed,” he said.
Meyer said after his discussions, Parks staff unlocked the gate for part of the day, but it is still locked in the late afternoon when most dog walkers use the park. The locking and unlocking of the gate also seems to be inconsistent.
“I have asked Jabulani once again if the gate cannot rather be unlocked. I will meet with dogwalkers in the park to discuss the matter with them too. There are two sides to this. On the one hand the department must understand the park is for the use of residents, and that the top gate is how a large number of residents access the park. Access cannot be denied to these residents. But dog walkers should also adhere to the leash laws. I will meet with dog walkers next Monday at 5pm at the Rose Garden to discuss their concerns with them. All users of the park with concerns are welcome to join me there,” said Meyer.
