I was surprised and disappointed to be told by a council ranger early on Saturday morning at Gogleys, that the spot I have been taking my labrador to swim for over a decade was an on-leash area. When questioned about sign posting he said that unless signs say off-leash, then it is on-leash everywhere.
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I have several misgivings about this encounter. Firstly, at 8.30am with an empty car park and lagoon, I would question whether this is the best use of council resources. Secondly, that this is a policy of exclusion that caters to a minority of users of this area. I understand that some people do not like to have dogs around them and that some dog owners could be more responsible in controlling their dogs. However where else can responsible dog owners take their dogs for a swim? The area of Wash House Beach open to dogs off-leash can be dangerous, as is the area at North Haven because of the surf.
I believe there should be a compromise. Areas I have visited in South Australia have areas open to off-leash dogs between 8pm-10am during summer and is open 24hr during winter. I believe this would be a much more equitable policy which I will be putting to the council.
Angus Crowley
Dunbogan
