Parks Canada has decided not to pursue legal action against Banff National Park superintendent Salman Rasheed for breaking federal regulations by allowing his dog to be off-leash. The conclusion of the law enforcement inquiry was confirmed by Parks Canada representative Jennifer Burnell in a statement released on Monday, where she also mentioned that further details would not be disclosed unless charges were filed through the provincial court system, which is not the case in this instance.
Despite requests for interviews, both Burnell and Rasheed, along with Parks Canada executives Andrew Campbell and Jewel Cunningham, did not respond immediately to CBC News. Cunningham had previously indicated that Parks Canada was investigating the matter and would take appropriate actions following referral to the law enforcement division.
Rasheed and Parks Canada have acknowledged the incident, with Rasheed describing it as an “isolated lapse in judgment.” As the top official in Banff National Park, Rasheed is responsible for enforcing federal regulations within Parks Canada. The incident came to light when the Rocky Mountain Outlook reported that Rasheed was seen walking his dog, Max, off-leash on the Tunnel Mountain trail in Banff.
Walking dogs off-leash is prohibited in Canadian national parks, and this incident involving Rasheed occurred shortly after a notable off-leash dog case that resulted in a $1,500 fine. The importance of adhering to park regulations to safeguard wildlife, pets, visitors, and ecological integrity was emphasized by Burnell, who stated that compliance with these rules was expected from all individuals, whether visitors or residents.
An internal review initiated by Parks Canada through administrative channels was mentioned by Burnell, who expressed satisfaction with the handling of the matter. This review was considered a human resource issue, and Parks Canada refrained from providing further comments on it.
Statistics revealed that between 2021 and 2026, the Banff field unit recorded 503 off-leash dog incidents, leading to 314 warnings and 22 charges. In comparison, the Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay field unit reported 106 incidents, resulting in 79 warnings and 27 charges. Off-leash dog incidents may not result in criminal charges but could incur fines of up to $25,000.
Since July 29, 2026, thirteen individuals have admitted guilt in the Canmore Court of Justice for various violations under the Canada National Parks Act, with common offenses including flying drones and camping without permits. Fines imposed ranged from $150 to $3,000.