www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 30, 2015 | 8 OSPCA investigation underway after family pet killed at leash-free dog park continued from pg. 1 dog park where he played with couple of other dogs. Jacob, who recounted the experience because English is not his father's first language, said everything was going fine until another person arrived and released three large dogs into the park. "He said they immediately pounced on Russel. They got him by the neck," said Jacob. "My dad ran over there as fast as he could and had to get in there and pull the dogs away. When he grabbed our dog he said he noticed right away that Russel had gone limp." Another dog park patron drove Malecki and Russel to a nearby veterinarian, but Russel's injuries were too extensive and he died a short time later. Jacob noted the little Chorkie's death has had a real impact on his family. "My mother couldn't speak. She was sobbing for like eight hours straight. I had never seen her like that before." "It really impacted my dad too. The last few weeks you can really feel the emptiness in the house." Jacob is calling on those who make use of leash-free parks to think of others and keep their dogs at home if they know their dogs do not do well around other dogs. "We just don't want to see anyone else get hurt," he said. Laura Mackasey, an agent with Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), said she is aware of the Kingsford Gardens incident and noted an investigation is underway. The Oakville and Milton Humane Society is reminding residents they are responsible for their dog's behavior and is offering numerous tips for those attending off-leash dog parks. · The humane society recommends visiting a leash-free dog park multiple times without your dog to watch the dog interactions and how the people in the off leash area behave. Residents who see something they don't like are advised to try another off leash area. · Young children should not be in the off-leash area as some dogs have no exposure to young children in their everyday lives. · Watch to see what dogs are in the off leash park before you enter. If things appear rowdy or there is a dog that is bulsituation. · If loose packs of dogs start forming and a dog is being chased, call your dog and leave the park. · Do not bring a dog in-season to the off-leash park or one that is pregnant. It puts the intact males on edge and can change the mood of your dog in relation to other dogs. · If your dog is under socialized the off-leash park is not the place to go to expose them to other dogs. · Older dogs with arthritis are not good candidates for the off-leash park as it can become a painful experience for them being jostled about by bigger dogs. · If your dog is not feeling well bring them back when they are. · Don't bring food or toys into the park. · Don't play fetch in the park. · If your dog guards its toys, food or water bowl, do not take it to the offleash park. · Although you are allowed to bring two dogs per person into a leashfree dog park, ideally you should just take one dog at a time because if there is an issue it is easier to get control of one dog than two. · Dogs with previous biting history or ones that require muzzles should not enter the leash-free area. Family pet Russel was killed at a leash-free dog park last month. Submitted photo lying other dogs, come back at another time. · Don't allow your dog to bully other dogs. · Don't let dogs "work it out" if there seems to be a problem. Someone could get hurt. · Don't let your dog leave your sight and keep your focus on your dog at all times rather than socializing with friends or talking on your cell phone. Incidents can happen quickly. · Be aware of a dog's body language and behavior. A stressed or fearful dog that feels it cannot escape the attentions of other dogs can lead to an aggressive Walk to start at Fort York continued from pg. 6 The walk will start at Fort York and continues throughout different Toronto neighbourhoods. Everybody receives T-shirts, and children who are patients at SickKids get special T-shirts. "We keep our activities a surprise, however, they are all camp-themed such as arts and crafts, sporty games, and fun for the whole family," said Madeline Salerno, coordinator, brand marketing and communications for the hospital. "Last year we had dancing, a rock climbing wall, mini obstacle course and face painting to name a few. About 2,100 participants raised more than $1.8 million and organizers hope at least 2,400 people will participate this year with the target of raising more than $2 million. Money raised goes towards the hospital's Possibilities Fund, which supports the hospital's most urgent funding needs, including support for people, physical structure and world-class programs in research, education and patient care. As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. FREE Schedule3 3cleans, cleans, Schedule get the 4th free* get the 4th free* *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $150 value. Not valid on prior services. up to $125 value. Not valid on prior services. Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new customers only. customers only. 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Please visit oakville.ca to create your registration Public delegations account and to learn more about our wide range of Friday, December 6 at 9:30 a.m. registered and drop-in programs. Public delegations Do you have a registration question? Thursday, December 12 at 1 p.m. Call 905-338-4250 or email iris@oakville.ca. 016 2015-2 YS RE DA CULTU ly-friendly i RATE CELEB joy free fam activities! d En n a 2 s p. 13 CU LOVE mes alive! ver. ville co n Oak side co See in wntow LTURE? OORS OUTD trails, CTIVE rs, GET A rks, harbou more! d Pa s garden an p. 145 TER REGIS ts: August 15 Residen ptember 11 s: Se e.ca Senior oakvill ONLIN E Registration opens: Residents: August 15 at 9 a.m. Seniors Services: September 11 at 9 a.m.