Bass Coast Shire Council’s summer regulations for dogs on beaches come in to effect next Tuesday (December 1).
And most dog owners the Advertiser spoke to last week are happy with the arrangements.
Anne and Lyle Thompson regularly walk their dog Coco.
“We’re happy to abide by the rules. Coco has always been a big part of our life, but even more so through Covid as we’ve been walking her twice daily.”
David Skelton from Cowes agreed.
“I don’t have a problem with the current regulations although I do think there should be more off leash areas. If you’re a dog owner you have a duty of care to ensure that the interaction with the community is appropriate.”
Phylis and Don Macklin were visiting from Melbourne for the first time since March and said they weren’t against the restrictions during the busy summer period.
“When we have a lot of visitors we don’t think the dogs should be running around on the beaches. It can be confronting for both the dogs and children. We have so many beautiful areas to walk our dogs, but we feel owners must be more responsible in picking up after their dogs.
“Perhaps the council could assist locals and visitors by installing the doggy bag stations in popular dog walking areas.“
Pat Randell from Cowes with said she was “definitely in favour of the summer restrictions”.
“Everyone loves their pets, but we need to do it the right way.”
However Kerry and Jamie Malady were less impressed.
“We don’t like them (the restrictions). If the dogs are on leads and owners pick up after them what’s the harm in allowing them on the beaches?”
Restrictions from December 1
Seasonal restrictions apply to all dog walking areas on beaches from December 1 to April 30, 2021. Dogs are allowed from 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm.
Dogs are permitted on-leash on some Nature Parks managed beaches, for example: Devon Avenue Ventnor, YCW and Smiths Beach, Surf Beach and the Colonnades, with summer restrictions.
Details are outlined in the "Where can I walk my dog" brochure, available on the council's website.
Dog owners are encouraged to make sure they are following the regulations by checking the signs at the access points to beaches and reserves or by visiting Council’s website.
There are several off-leash beach areas across Bass Coast, including three on Phillip Island, one in San Remo and several others from Inverloch through to Grantville.
Dogs must be kept on a leash when walking along tracks through the foreshore.
A few things to remember when using the off-leash beach areas with your dog include:
- You must carry a leash and use it immediately if the situation calls for it;
- Your dog must be under effective voice control at all times;
- Your dog mustn’t rush, jump on any person or attack any person or animal; and
- You must keep your dog in sight at all times.
Additionally, dog owners using off-leash areas on Phillip Island and San Remo must also bring their dog under effective control when within 50 metres of a signed threatened species wildlife refuge area.
This helps to protect Hooded Plover nesting sites, which may be located within a designated off-leash area.
Council said failure to follow these rules could result in enforcement action and officers will be patrolling beaches, off-leash areas and parks throughout the summer period. Infringement notices will be issued to those found to be doing the wrong thing.
All dogs must be on a leash when out in public and not in a designated off-leash area. Failure to do so can result in an infringement of $165.
You must also pick up after your dog when out in public and carry bags with which to do so. Failure to pick up after your dog or carry bags carries an infringement of up to $200.
For more information, please contact Council’s Community Safety Team or visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/dogwalking.