Amid pit bull concerns, Beaconsfield builds dog run

The City of Beaconsfield will openits first dog run in an effort to keep both sides of the growing debate on dog safety happy.

BeaconsfieldMayor Georges Bourelle said, in a statement, that the projectwill give dog owners a site where their pets "can run and play in complete safety while respecting those who do not like to be bothered by dogs or are afraid of them."

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The dog run will belocated in theLugerTriangle next toAngellWoods and is expected to open in September.

At 155,000 square feet, 25,000 square feet of which will be a dedicated to small dogs, the city says the dog run will be among the largest on the island of Montreal.

Unlike several municipalities in the Montreal area, Beaconsfield has not opted for a ban on specific dog breedsin the wake of high-profile incidents with pit bulls.

Instead, the city began enforcing its leash laws more strictly beginning July 1. Owners who are caught with their dogs off-leash are now fined$100 for the first infraction, $200 for the secondand $400 for any subsequent ones.

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This week, the City of Montrealalso began to clamp down on pet ownersby dispatching more inspectors to enforce its animal-control bylaws.

In March, Beaconsfield was recognized byanimal rights organization PETA with a Compassionate City Award for its "progressive legislation that protects animals from being abused."