Eurobodalla Council encourages the community to practice 'dog walking manners' and promote responsible pet ownership.
Most dog-related incidents occur during the warmer months, particularly on beaches. While Rangers do their best to monitor and prevent incidents, it's ultimately up to the community to ensure the safety of both dogs and people, senior Ranger Rory Hogan says.
"As the weather warms up, more people are walking their dogs and Ranger patrols increase. We're out educating and encouraging dog owners to do the right thing," Mr Hogan said.
Over the past year, Mr Hogan said Rangers responded to 406 incidents involving irresponsible dog ownership, where dogs were not under effective control.
"We can't stress enough how important it is to keep your dog under control," Mr Hogan said.
"Nobody wants to experience a dog attack, have their child bowled over, their picnic ruined or feel intimidated by a dog being a nuisance.
"If your dog is being a menace in a designated off-leash area, like a beach, you risk on the spot fines.
"Your dog should reliably come back when called. If they don't respond consistently, you should keep them under control on a leash. Both dogs and people should feel safe when out and about."
Mr Hogan wants to help build the community's understanding of responsible dog ownership, and the importance of keeping dogs under effective control. Council created a webpage sharing dog walking do's and don'ts.
Mr Hogan asks the community to help spread the word and practice 'dog walking manners', which is to:
- Never let your dog run up to another dog. Check first to see whether your dog can say hello. Just because your dog is friendly doesn't mean other dogs are - some may be anxious and react aggressively.
- Observe your dog's behaviour and keep it in sight. Owners often mistake dominant behaviours for play. Actions like mounting and excessive barking are unacceptable and are known to be common behaviours on our beaches. If your dog becomes a nuisance or aggressive, put it on a leash.
- Respect others' space and always keep your dog on a leash in public places.
- Keep early morning and evening noise to a minimum when walking your dog near houses.
- Take a bag and pick up your dog's poo.
- Avoid taking your dog to crowded areas and keep it away from children and people fishing.
Timeshare arrangements for dogs on selected beaches in Eurobodalla are back in effect this Friday 1 November.
The 18 Eurobodalla beaches with timeshare arrangements allow dogs before 9am and after 5pm. Dogs are prohibited on timeshare beaches between 9am and 5pm, until Saturday 30 April. See a map of dog-friendly beaches on Council's website.
