Persistent Unleashed Dog Walker
⚠️ Just wanted to raise a concern for neighbours in the Middlecote & Williamson area of North Ajax, especially families with young children and dog owners.
Yesterday afternoon, while walking around my ex-husband’s neighbourhood with our young kids, we encountered a woman walking a large black dog completely off leash. My ex-husband mentioned that this is something she does regularly, and that some neighbours have also noticed the dog barking aggressively at children, smaller dogs, and people passing by. He also shared that when he previously tried to address the concern politely, she rolled her eyes and ignored him.
As someone who has worked in healthcare, I’ve unfortunately heard of cases involving unleashed dogs injuring children, so situations like this are genuinely concerning to me. No parent or pet owner should have to feel anxious simply taking a walk through a residential neighbourhood, and no child or small dog should feel unsafe playing or walking outside in their own neighborhood.
Beyond the safety risk, it’s disappointing to see such a clear disregard for local leash laws and for the comfort and safety of neighbours in the community.
If anyone happens to know this woman, I kindly ask that you encourage her to keep her dog leashed while walking in residential areas. Otherwise, we believe a complaint may need to be filed with by-law enforcement. Leash laws are not optional, they are a basic standard of public safety and responsible pet ownership.
Thank you.