Do you feel like you're running out of places to walk your dog in the city? Most would agree that busy sidewalks and congested roads are hardly a safe place to take your four-legged friend for a stroll. Well, dog owners can breathe a sigh of relief now that City Council has given the green light to create more leash-free zones in Toronto.

The new policy would allow neighbourhood groups to apply for permits to get an off-leash term in their own local green spaces. Under the plan, there has to be fencing in areas within 10 metres of horticultural displays, playgrounds, splash pads, wading pools and sports fields. The plan also calls for hiring 10 new bylaw enforcement officers, in addition to the current 11, who will have the power to demand identification from owners, seize dogs and hold irresponsible owners until police arrive. But those hires depend on the city's budget.

The new initiative will cost the city about $1.1 million a year to operate, plus about $400,000 a year in capital costs such as installing fencing and natural barriers. But don't expect to see these changes being implemented anytime soon because it'll take about 18 months, including about 10 months of training, to turn the new hires into special constables, and the province must approve that designation.

Fines for owners who commit off-leash infractions will go from $260 to $305. And the off-leash areas would be off limits for female dogs in heat and non-neutered males.

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