REGINA — Concerns are growing among dog owners about declining maintenance at the city's off-leash parks.
As part of the approved 2026 budget, the city cut approximately $2.1 million from its forestry budget. As a result, several off-leash parks are now having their grass cut only once a month.
Zoe Schneider, part of the off-leash dog park user group (OLDPUG), said animal users' primary concern with declining maintenance is foxtail.
"This is a type of weed that the seeds, the seed pods, can get into dogs' paw pads, into their mouth, into their skin, and it's incredibly painful for them.”
Schneider said it only takes a small amount of foxtail, which can be difficult to notice.
“It's so deceptive because it feels very soft if you touch it. You wouldn't think that it can be so hard on a dog, but it really is like an awful sort of noxious thing to deal with.”
Foxtail can lead to several health problems for dogs.
“Unchecked seeds that get into their skin can travel into their lungs or spine or internal organs that require emergency surgery. It can cause limping and swelling. It's just really not good.”
Those emergency surgeries can cost owners thousands of dollars.
“An emergency surgery is gonna be quite expensive.”
In addition to foxtail, Schneider said increased mosquito and tick populations are also a growing concern for both dogs and their owners.
“It really makes it hard to be able to enjoy going out with your dog.”
She stressed the benefits of having a well-maintained park where dogs can safely roam.
“It brings them so much joy and excitement, and they're just completely wiped out after emotionally and like physically and mentally. There's nothing better for them.”
Schneider believes dog park maintenance needs to happen more frequently, especially depending on weather conditions.
"If it's dry and hot for weeks on end, not a lot is growing very quickly, then it could be left, but if we're in a situation as we had in June where we got a ton of water followed by heat, then once a week would be great.”
OLDPUG itself clears and cleans up certain areas of dog parks a few times a year.
Following the recent budget cuts, Schneider suggested the community could help contribute to maintaining the parks.
“There's nothing wrong with donating a couple of hours of your time to help beautify your own community. That's why we do what we do as our volunteer organization.”
SaskToday reached out to the City of Regina for a response, but didn't receive one by the deadline.
