Dog Owners Off The Leash About New Zone

By Marcus Braid on February 2, 2015 in News

Several Bondi dog owners are campaigning for timed off-leash zones in the area surrounding Bondi Beach, but the plan has been rebuffed by Waverley Mayor Sally Betts.

Local resident Annette Steglieno has started a petition on Change.org, calling for timed off-leash areas at the southern end of Bondi Park and the north end tidal pool from 6-8am.

“So far we’ve received 134 signatures,” Ms Steglieno said. “These are mostly from locals, but also from people in other communities who feel this is important.

“The south hill is a central easy place for busy Bondi people to take their dogs before work for a quick run. In the mornings this area is free from tourists, picnickers, sun bathers and is an open free space that is back enough away from the road, walkers and people that are exercising.”

Ms Steglieno, who said she had spoken to “at least 30 dog owners” who echo the sentiments of the petition, wanted off-leash areas to encourage dog owners to ensure their dogs socialise.

“Dogs that are socialised learn skills to behave in many different situations, which lessens the chance of fear-based aggression and attacks,” she said.

“Poor socialisation is one of the main reasons dogs are taken to the RSPCA and, sadly, euthanised. The RSPCA is really keen to work with local councils to find more opportunities for dog socialisation within communities.”

Ms Steglieno acknowledged that it will be tough to convince Waverley Council of the merits of the proposal.

“They have really ramped up their patrol of off-leash monitoring and seem very against the idea of responsible dog owners socialising their dogs,” she said.

“What they need to understand is that if there were approved timed areas, then it would only encourage people to stay within the guidelines of when and where they can have their dogs off-leash, and they would find more people adhering to these rules and it would save them having to patrol the area 24/7.”

However, Cr Betts said she was not interested in any petitions on Change.org.

“She can do whatever she wants on Change.org and I think that’s absolutely wonderful,” Cr Betts said.

“I don’t believe the petitions on Change.org meet our petitions policy in any case. You never know where people come from; you can put your name down from Ireland and you’re still counted in it.”

Cr Betts said that Bondi Beach and Park areas were “highly used” by many people, including children.

“At this time, Council is not considering having any off-leash areas at Bondi Beach or Bondi Park,” she said.

“We have many other areas in close proximity and I would suggest if anyone wants to have off-leash dogs, go right next door up the hill. We have lots of other areas.

“All I’m prepared to say is that at this time we are not considering off-leash areas for dogs at Bondi Park or Bondi Beach. We’re not considering it at all.”

There are eight off-leash zones currently in the Bondi area, including at Marks Park, Dickson Park and a trial off-leash zone at Waverley Park.

“They are an issue and that is why under my mayoralty we have increased the areas considerably for dogs in Waverley on-leash and off-leash,” Cr Betts said.

“We have opened new parks all over the area and we have made a concerted effort to look after our dog owners.”

But Bondi resident Tim Dormer said off-leash zones provide an important role in enriching the community.

“I’m a Bondi resident with a dog, and we both love having time to play free by the beach with the other dogs and their owners,” he said.

“There are more and more dog owners in the Eastern Suburbs with fewer off-leash areas available.”