For some months now there have been complaints by sporting clubs that children playing sport on the oval have fallen into dog poop. At this time the central oval is an off leash dog area. Many dog owners put their dogs onto the oval and then walk way not supervising their dog. Other owners simply do not collect their animal droppings leaving them on the grass.
The Council has sought to deal with the issue by having increased ranger patrols but to date the problem remains.
Council considered a number of actions but ultimately there was consensus that at the bare minimum signs would need to be erected instructing dog owners that they must clean up after their dog and have the dog under effective control. Further, Council decided that in lieu of immediate fines for infringements a warning would be given and fines only imposed for a second or subsequent offence.
Cr Penhalluriack met with some of the stakeholders and it is hoped that they will be able to find a consensus position that will deal with the problem without impinging on dog owners ability to use the oval.
At the Council meeting held on the 21st July there was a suggestion that the issue be deferred to allow stakeholders to meet. That proposition was not supported as the Council's actions are a bare minimum and do not restrict further and better action being adopted.
I said at the Council meeting that people are more important than dogs. That is not in any way to belittle the benefit of pets but ultimately if it comes down to a child's health or the rights of dogs to run unrestricted then I have to say people win. I also said that unless the stakeholders can agree and unless the problem is solved more stringent measures will need to be adopted. I sincerely hope that this will not be necessary and certainly all Councillors are of one in seeking to support stakeholders in finding a solution.
The reality is that most dog owners are responsible and the problem is caused by only a few. Perhaps those that regularly use the park can remind others of their responsibilities.
The Council has sought to deal with the issue by having increased ranger patrols but to date the problem remains.
Council considered a number of actions but ultimately there was consensus that at the bare minimum signs would need to be erected instructing dog owners that they must clean up after their dog and have the dog under effective control. Further, Council decided that in lieu of immediate fines for infringements a warning would be given and fines only imposed for a second or subsequent offence.
Cr Penhalluriack met with some of the stakeholders and it is hoped that they will be able to find a consensus position that will deal with the problem without impinging on dog owners ability to use the oval.
At the Council meeting held on the 21st July there was a suggestion that the issue be deferred to allow stakeholders to meet. That proposition was not supported as the Council's actions are a bare minimum and do not restrict further and better action being adopted.
I said at the Council meeting that people are more important than dogs. That is not in any way to belittle the benefit of pets but ultimately if it comes down to a child's health or the rights of dogs to run unrestricted then I have to say people win. I also said that unless the stakeholders can agree and unless the problem is solved more stringent measures will need to be adopted. I sincerely hope that this will not be necessary and certainly all Councillors are of one in seeking to support stakeholders in finding a solution.
The reality is that most dog owners are responsible and the problem is caused by only a few. Perhaps those that regularly use the park can remind others of their responsibilities.
1 comment:
I would be amazed if any of the owners of registered dogs did not know the law by now regarding the leaving of dog's turds in a public place.
In order that sportspeople who may also be dog owners themselves are not subject to playing sport in a cess pool, why not simply find offenders immediately!
There have been many warnings now over a number of years, it is time for ALL dog owners to become responsible citizens!
I pick up after my three dogs and I would appreciate the same courtesy being extended to my wellbeing and that of the general population. Particularly in shopping centres!
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