Does RR have a dog problem?

Dear Editor,
Does Rainy River really have a dog problem?
I read, with some dismay, the article pertaining to the new dog bylaw and the plans of the town to hire a dogcatcher. It would appear to me that most people are responsible dog owners. Do we need to go to this expense for the 2 or 3 dogs that seem to run loose. Surely there are more important things on which to spend the money.
We have been without recycling for how many years; our roads are in terrible shape; the culverts, which were replaced several years ago, have become plugged with sand and other debris; the sand from the winter has not been cleaned off the streets; the tennis courts have been paved, but the nets have never been replaced; and the park is in terrible shape, and in some instances hazardous, largely due to ongoing vandalism and neglect.
Let us turn to the park, since that is my biggest bone of contention. I have been walking my dog (twice a day), in the park, for the last two years. I clean up after her and have also spent countless hours cleaning up other people’s messes. (Check out the park after the walleye tournament.) Now the town has decided to enforce the no dogs in the park rule. What about the rules that state “no motorized vehicles” and “no glass bottles”. The town seems to turn a blind eye to those problems. Which rules are we expected to follow? Most of the time, my dog and I are the only people in the park. Who are we inconveniencing? Where else can people walk their dogs? Maybe the town should consider designating the west end of the park as an area for dogs.
The town is in the process of determining how it can improve. The park is a tremendous asset in that regard. Let’s take care of maintenance (including clean-up), takes steps to reduce vandalism (and repairing the damage), and make the park an enjoyable space for everyone, including dog owners and their dogs.

–Tom Shumaker
Rainy River