Canada: City removes signage telling owners to keep dogs quiet
09-03-2023 12:47 PM
Ammon News - The City of Toronto is taking down a number of signs in city-run parks telling dog owners to limit barking as they said the messaging “did not meet the mark.”
On Wednesday, residents reported signs to CTV News Toronto placed at St.Andrew’s dog park, near Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street, and Huron Street Playground, near Lowther Avenue and St. George Street, asking residents to prohibit their dogs from barking while at the park.
“Due to the closeness of the area residents, do not allow your dogs to bark and disturb the neighbourhood,” the sign at St. Andrew’s playground read.
“Excessive barking will not be tolerated,” it continued.
While there’s no City of Toronto noise bylaw specifically prohibiting “excessive” barking, residents can be fined up to $500 for amplified sound exceeding permitted levels outdoors, or for making, causing, or permitting noise that is unreasonable and persistent.
When reached for comment Wednesday, the City of Toronto told CTV News Toronto that the signs were installed to “balance the needs of a range of park users and local communities.
“Signage was installed to remind users of the off-leash area to be considerate of nearby residents,” the statement said. “Although barking is expected at off-leash areas, excessive barking can be disruptive to neighbours.”