Cats and dogs, if allowed to roam free, will kill wildlife, scare nesting animals and disturb dens and nests. Small dogs and cats can also be prey to larger predators in ravines and natural areas like coyotes, foxes or birds of prey. When dogs are confined to a small area they also destroy the groundcover vegetation in the area, loosen soil, and cause erosion. Owners usually don’t collect dog and cat droppings in ravines/forests, which can run off in storms and pollute waterways.
To protect your property, nature and your pet, please do not allow them to run free in natural areas. Keep them on a leash on dedicated and marked trails.
For more information:
- To leash or not to leash — should that even be a question? (Nature Conservancy Canada)
- Dogs in Natural Areas (ProtectNatureTO)