Neighbours of Gary Cirko Park feel threatened by dogs @L:Hudson – “My wife and I are terrified of dogs. Our security and

“Can you imagine what it’s like to be confronted by a huge dog, rushing out of control of its owner, on your own property?” asked Jacques Desrochers at the Hudson council meeting last Tuesday. Mr. Desrochers was at the meeting on behalf of a group of neighbours who had sent a letter to Hudson stating their opposition to the recently approved trial run allowing off-leash dogs in two areas within the city limits of Hudson. Mayor Elizabeth Corker replied that it was difficult to please both sides, and, that council had not received any other complaints. “I don’t think you are listening to me. It’s crazy to have a dog trail behind my property. The 20-year-old dog by-law, requiring dogs to be on a leash, was adequate. What makes you think dogs are better behaved today than they were 20 years ago?” Desrochers asked. The Bixton residents’ letter states that the Gary Cirko Park should never have been included in the trial as it creates an unacceptable situation to local residents and hikers. “As residents whose backyards are adjacent to the trail we have effectively lost, for part of the day, the peacefulness and pleasure that comes with living in this part of Hudson. It is not uncommon for the owner to yell out when the dog strays too far or for a dog to bark when it encounters another off-leash animal.” @ST:Possible lawsuits @R:“As taxpayers, we are afraid that the city of Hudson has opened itself for possible lawsuits following physical injury from an off-leash dog biting an innocent hiker. An argument could be made by an astute lawyer that by authorizing an off-leash dog policy within its boundaries, the city has de facto assumed a share of the responsibility along with the dog owner,” wrote the Bixton residents in a letter dated August 15, 2007.