The National Capital Commission agreed Wednesday to change its rules for unleashed dogs on its land, to include an exemption for all people who need dogs for medical conditions.

Until now only the blind and some physically disabled people have been exempted.

The changes come after a constitutional challenge by two dog owners who were convicted of breaking the NCC rules, neither of whom are disabled. However, they're still allowed to make a constitutional challenge on behalf of those who are.

And they succeeded.

Ottawa lawyer Terry Green, himself disabled, said the changes are long overdue.

Having opened the door a crack, dog-walking activists now want to throw it wide open, and win the same rights for able-bodied people.

"We're pleased with the outcome, we've made our point. It's the start of what we want to do. There'll be more to come," said Candice O'Connell of the National Capital Coalition for People and Dogs.

As for the two dog-owners at the heart of this case, they were convicted. But instead of the $100 fine sought by the Crown, the judge put them on probation until they make a $100 donation to the Humane Society.

Both Karen Landheer and Matthew Owers said they were delighted by the ruling.

Owers, an investment advisor, said he would follow the NCC's dog-walking rules in the future. Landheer, a schoolteacher, said she has to think about it.