FROM May 1, the Seasonal Dog Controls for the Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads foreshore areas will change, as they have done at this time of the year for almost a decade.<\/p>\n
Barwon Coast chief executive officer Gary McPike said there were regulations which governed where dogs could be walked on and off-leash within the Barwon Coast foreshore reserves.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the regulations change throughout the year. This allows for a range of beach experiences and also helps with managing the higher number of beach users through the summer months.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn May 1, some regulation changes come into place which allow dogs off-leash under \u2018effective control\u2019 in areas which restrict this use during the busier summer months.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, there are many areas where the regulations remain unchanged.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr McPike said all dogs must still be on leash at all times when in car parks, trails, pathways or beach access ways.<\/p>\n
He also said a dog must not be off-leashed until on the sand in the approved off-leash zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarwon Coast staff often get asked what \u2018effective control\u2019 actually means.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssentially it requires the person in control of the dog to have a leash in their possession at all times; keep their dog in visual and audible range so they can effectively recall the dog; the dog must be recalled and restrained when approaching other dogs or people, unless permitted to approach by the other person; and dogs must not rush at, attack, bite, worry or chase wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr McPike said dog regulations were a key part of ensuring that everyone on the Barwon Coast could share our shores.<\/p>\n
\u201cEquitable access for all is a key Victorian government policy that Barwon Coast strive to achieve through our management of the foreshore reserve.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd please remember to bag and bin dog waste \u2013 to keep our beaches clean.\u201d<\/p>\n