Barwon Coast booklet backs beach safety

BARWON COAST has produced a kid’s activity booklet with a simple message this summer: take care of your pets, other people’s pets, wildlife and fellow beach users.

Maddie Glynn from Barwon Coast said keeping pets, people and wildlife safe is the driving message behind Safe Pets, Safe Wildlife, Safe People.

“This booklet, produced under the Share our Shores banner aims to engender simple responsible pet ownership actions that will not only contribute to greater protection of our natural environments, but ensure whilst visiting the coast, our wildlife, your pets and other beach users remain safe,” Ms Glynn said.

Doctor Jack Ayerbe from the Australian Veterinary Association said that with more people living closer to the coastline, there is an increase in companion animals either living locally or visiting local beaches.
“Sadly ‘responsible pet ownership’ is not fully understood by many owners, and even some responsible owners do not understand how to manage their pets,” Dr Ayerbe said.

“This often leads to conflict, which should be avoided, across many areas. We must look after the welfare of our pets, visiting pets and our valuable wildlife, whilst ensuring that our beloved animals do not behave unsociably towards other people visiting our shores.”

Ms Glyn said the creative activity booklet is one tool aimed at taking pet owners on a journey to do the right thing by all.

“The safety of your pets is imperative, but so too is providing safety for our unique wildlife, many which are on the decline, and the safety of all beach users,” Ms Glynn said.

“The Share Our Shores campaign is a paw-some program, and only together we can make a difference.”

Contact Barwon Coast if you are interested in receiving an activity booklet.