Edmonton and Area Land Trust said the attack on the deer fawn was entirely preventable
A recent alleged off-leash dog attack at Pipestone Creek has the group that manages the property issuing a warning to visitors.
Pipestone Creek, a conservation land northeast of Wetaskiwin, has been managed by the Edmonton and Area Land Trust since 2012. It features 5.5 kilometers of trails on 104 acres, all of which are available for the public to access for day hikes.
In the release, EALT said the an off-leash dog allegedly attacked and killed a deer fawn.
“This incident was entirely preventable, and staff are deeply disappointed at this occurrence. Private conservation lands, while open to the public, are still private property, which means each visitor is responsible for adhering to the terms of access,” the organization said in a press release.
The EALT said the alleged incident has shed on the need for property users to keep their dogs on leash. They said that off-leash dogs can sometimes disturb wildlife activity and can impact wildlife nests and behaviour.
“We conserve land for the benefit of humans, natural ecosystems, and wildlife, and believe that having access to natural areas is an irreplaceable part of overall human health,” EALT said in a release.
“We strive to balance the needs of humans with the needs of native plants and wildlife, and our rules are in place to ensure that habitats don’t become degraded, and that animals can raise their vulnerable young in peace.”
EALT reminds visitors to keep pets on leash, respect signs and designated trails, keep a distance from wildlife, don’t visit at night and pick up after pets.
See https://www.ealt.ca/visit for all our visiting guidelines.
