I think the difference here is that the park is 30 or 40km of ocean beaches,
separated by regular headlands. A ranger can't just stand in the middle and see
all the dogs, so it's easy for people to visit regularly and never be
challenged.
Others could explain the situation with more accuracy (I've rarely been there),
but I'm under the impression that because dogs are allowed in some places and
at certain times, it's easy for owners to claim they didn't understand the
signs. The fact that the signs are regularly removed or damaged makes it
difficult to enforce the rules. If there was one simple rule - no dogs - it
would be easier to enforce it.
I believe the current rules were introduced about 15 years ago, and it would
appear that numerous attempts to get dog owners to comply have failed over and
over. Time for a change? It must be very frustrating for those owners who do
comply, and might lose access because of the others. I think I read that non
compliance is around 80%?
Given that dog owners vote and there are a lot of them, I can't see a complete
ban happening, but surely at least some beaches could be protected.
Peter Shute
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Christine Melrose
> Sent: Tuesday, 27 November 2012 8:35 AM
> To: Peter Shute
> Cc: Dave Torr; ;
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Mornington Peninsula National Park
> dog walking review
>
> Dear All,
> In North Sydney Council fox baiting is regularly undertaken
> in relatively large reserves, removed by 200m from
> residences. These areas are often adjacent to off-lead dog
> exercise areas. Signs are erected when baiting is being
> undertaken, alerting residents that dogs are not allowed
> because of the potential for them to take the baits. When
> are we going to stop molly-coddling dog owners and make them
> responsible dog owners. Surely a solution of on-lead areas
> and off-lead areas is a solution to this problem. If dog
> owners choose to allow their dogs to run off lead in a
> restricted area or when fox baiting is being undertaken, then
> it is their responsibility for what happens to their animal.
> I should also hope that doggy bags are provided for owners to
> use and dispose of dog droppings. Another solution is to get
> responsible dog owners in the area to do the policing and
> remind others by their example.
> If these provisions work in council areas of Sydney, I don't
> know why they won't work anywhere. It seems we have to train
> the dog owners to be responsible and consider others,
> including all wildlife.
===============================
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
http://birding-aus.org
===============================
|
