Dogwalker claims pups were pepper sprayed during altercation on popular North Vancouver trail
The Hyannus trail system on the Nort Shore is known as a pooch paradise but one dogwalker claims a recent altercation with a hiker turned ugly.
The dogwalker, who didn't want to be named for this story, tells CTV News she was walking on a dog-friendly off-leash trail earlier this month when her pack of dogs crossed paths with an unsuspecting woman.
She says the woman was startled and started screaming, which further excited the dogs. She says the woman then pulled out pepper spray and deployed it the dogs' faces. The dogwalker claims the woman then threatened her and followed her down the trail.
"She was very upset and scared," said Marg Lesage, owner of Dog Zen, the company the dogwalker works for.
Lesage says despite the woman feeling spooked, there's no excuse for what happened.
"This is a designated commercial dog walking trail that we are allowed on with off-leash dogs," said Lesage. "We are allowed six dogs."
The Baden Powell trail within the Hyannus system is one of four designated commercial dog-walking trails in the district.
Kim Dolmage also works for Lesage and says she's noticed tensions rising on the trail recently.
"I mean, it was kind of surprising pepper spray was actually released. It's not the first time it's been used as a threat," she said.
She also says better signage could help trail users avoid future conflicts.
"I do wish there was more signage," said Dolmage. "When people are unhappy with us I actually ask them to use their voice to help us to either try and get us more trails or better signage."
Lesage told CTV News the pandemic puppy boom, combined with a lack of commercial dog-walking areas has resulted in more conflicts in recent years.
"I think they're just so busy that it's difficult to have so many people and dogs in such a small area," said Lesage. "Maybe they can open [trails] up to us a little bit more."
Earlier this year, police arrested a man for an altercation with a commercial dogwalker in North Vancouver's McCartney Creek Park.
The District of North Vancouver told CTV News there are currently no plans in place to expand the commercial dog-walking trail network.
A spokesperson for the North Vancouver RCMP says a file has been opened but details of the incident are unclear.
"In this case, we want to speak with the other person who's involved with this incident just to understand their side of what took place so that we can make a determination if we can do anything further," said Sgt. Peter Devries.
Devries says it's not uncommon for trail users to carry pepper or bear spray as a precaution due to wildlife in the area.
Police advise any trail users who are afraid of dogs to avoid areas that are designated for commercial dog walkers.
The dogs affected by the pepper spray were treated and have fully recovered.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.