RDCO Dog Ambassadors are back in Kelowna again this summer, rewarding responsible owners with treats, leashes and literature.
Image Credit: Contributed
July 01, 2015 - 8:30 PM
KELOWNA – Employees of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, armed not with tickets but with treats, are in Kelowna again this summer to reward residents who are responsible dog owners.
Communications officer Bruce Smith says the ambassador program was so successful last summer they’ve decided to bring the program back.
The two ambassadors, dressed in bright shirts, will be all over Kelowna wherever people bring their pets.
“They’ll be cycling and walking in popular parks, trails and areas where hordes of people gather from Lake Country to Kelowna, West Kelowna and Peachland,” he says. “They’re not out to enforce any rules. Instead, they’re there to gently remind dog owners about the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw and how to be a respectful neighbour.”
The Dog Ambassadors will be equipped with treats, leashes and information to reward responsible owners whose dogs are licenced and on leash. They will also have information on dog beach locations, leashed and off-leash parks as well as local vets, groomers and kennels. They will also be reminding dog owners about the My Dog Matters rewards card program.
“More than 50 businesses are now participating and offer a variety of services and special discounts to dog owners showing their rewards card.”
All dog owners in the Central Okanagan are reminded that they must have a current license or they could be fined $300 under the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw. Dog owners who fail to pick up after their pet could face a fine of $150.
For more information about dog licensing and Responsible Dog Ownership in the Central Okanagan visit regionaldistrict.com/dogs.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015