Ontario Provincial Police confirmed they are investigating a dog bite reported Sunday at Bridlewood Optimist Park in Essex that left a person injured. They describe the injuries as non-life-threatening. While police have released few details, posts circulating on social media suggest two dogs became involved in a fight and one owner was hurt while attempting to separate them.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy said she cannot comment on the specifics of the case, but stressed that allowing dogs off leash in public parks is unacceptable. Outside of the designated off-leash dog park at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, all other municipal parks require dogs to be leashed, with posted signage clearly stating the rule.
She emphasized that letting a dog off leash, even briefly or during quieter hours, puts both the animal and the owner at risk. Bondy urged residents to take responsibility and report off-leash dogs before situations escalate. Bondy noted that recent incidents have resulted in injuries to both animals and owners when dogs were not properly restrained.
The incident remains under police investigation.