Some Toronto dog owners are getting set to fight the city due to plans to step up enforcement of a ban on dog walking along the city's beaches as part of an effort to improve water quality.
Several dog owners gathered for a protest near Kew Beach Sunday, the day before the issue to increase enforcement was scheduled to go to City Council.
The city wants to step up enforcement of its ban as part of a plan to boost water quality at 11 beaches in the city. Dog owners caught breaking the bylaw could face a $300 fine.
Not all areas would have dogs banned. There are about 18 acres of off-leash areas and people would be able to allowed to walk their pets in other areas, says parks and recreation committee chairman Paula Fletcher.
She says geese are a bigger problem on Toronto's shores, with their droppings contributing to poor water quality.
Toronto councillor Sandra Bussin told CP24 the city would use specially-trained dogs to scare the birds away.
The protest organizer will be at City Hall Monday to present council with a petition against the ban.
