The City of Richmond has temporarily closed select trails in Garden City Park until further notice.

The closure is part of a strategy to rescue two dogs that remain at large in the park. Efforts to catch the dogs by City staff and the BC SPCA have been unsuccessful to date due to the dogs’ tendency to sometimes appear frightening, the park’s challenging undergrowth, and interference with capture efforts by park users.

Until further notice, barricades and signs will be in place limiting access to the eastern sections of Garden City Park. The playground remains open but people are asked to remain vigilant and not go near the dogs if spotted, while keeping their own pets on leash at all times. BCSPCA team members continue to patrol the park daily in efforts to rescue the dogs safely and humanely.

The City and BC SPCA will continue to work closely with nearby schools and daycares to provide information on safety precautions and updates on the rescue efforts as they become available. It is important for all members of the public to adhere to public signage and directions provided by City and BC SPCA staff, including:

• Staying out of the closed park areas
• Maintaining a safe distance from the dogs if sighted
• Reporting sightings to 604-709-4668
• Refraining from feeding the dogs or leaving food in the area
• Not approaching or attempting to leash the dogs

Stray animals can act unpredictably out of fear, hunger or even pain if injured. While the City and BC SPCA appreciate that the community may want to help, interactions with the dogs at large can place both the animals and humans at risk. It is extremely detrimental to ongoing efforts to bring these dogs into the care they need. Anyone who sees the dogs in Garden City Park is asked to call the BC SPCA at 604-709-4668 immediately.