As a frequent visitor to the Nelson area I follow the Nelson Star online and have read with interest the discussion around dogs downtown.
I for one (a dog owner) oppose dogs being in the downtown core. Unfortunately not all dogs are well trained and given any situation the best of dogs can become aggitated in traffic both vehicular and pedestrian.
There are plenty of places to walk your dogs other than downtown. As well I am certainly opposed to dogs running free. I have walked many times in the Blewett area and have had dogs run out barking and growling which is rather frightening, not safe for the dogs or drivers on the road.
Owners need to take full responsibility for their pets whether in town or out and use a little common sense and consideration of others.
You love your dog, but not everyone else does or has to, nor do you want a dog running at you whether on a leash or free. We stay downtown when we are visiting and love the downtown, minus the dogs please.
Janet Farrell
Mount Pleasant, Ontario