Dogs are back on the beaches

AS AUTUMN begins and the summer crowds clear out, off-leash areas have expanded and dogs are back on more beaches during the day.

Dog time-share zones operated over summer in busy beach areas in Torquay, Jan Juc, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Lorne, and Torquay’s Taylor Park, with dogs not allowed on specific beaches from 9am until 7pm.
For dog owners, the end of dog time-share zones on February 28, means more off-leash areas to run and walk their dogs later in the day.

Torquay locals Cathy and Marty Jack said they walk their border collie Chester along the beach early every morning to get coffee.

“We’re here every day to get coffee, Chester is 12 years old and he walks and runs the beach every day, but the time-share zones won’t bother us because we’re normally early risers,” Mrs Jack said.

Mrs Jack said if she gets held up she just walks Chester home on the leash along the footpath.

 

Torquay local dog owners Ian and Judy Sedger also said they walk their dog Rosie early most mornings so they can use the beaches freely, but on the odd occasion their morning walk gets delayed so they have had to drive down to get a coffee to avoid the beaches.

“It will definitely be nice not to have to think about it,” Mrs Sedger said.

“More freedom for dogs I say,” Mr Sedger added.

Sophie Noss from Pawtastic Dog Training helps run dog training classes in the Surf Coast and Bellarine areas.

Ms Noss said it is important to make sure the beach is safe and comfortable for both people and dogs.

“This includes having areas where people can enjoy accessing the beach with their dogs as well as having areas of the beach where dogs are not a part of the beach, particularly during the busier months of the year.

“We tend to walk and train in less busy areas over the summer period and avoid the high density off-leash areas as we find that it can become a little overwhelming for some dogs in high-density areas.”

 

 

Ms Noss strongly advocates all dog owners train their dogs to ensure they are under effective control when off-leash, regardless of the dog time-share zones.

“This is the best way we can ensure that we can continue to enjoy the beach environment with our dogs for years to come.”

Surf Coast Shire general manager of culture and community life Chris Pike said even as the dog time zones have ended, dog owners should remember to review the rules that help keep dogs, people and the local environment safe.

“The end of summer means these zones revert to off-leash areas with conditions,” Mr Pike said.

“Owners must have their dogs under effective control by voice command, always have their dogs in close proximity and prevent them from approaching other people or dogs unless invited.

“If in doubt people should have their dogs on leads in respect for others and harmony for all.

Dog time-share arrangements will resume briefly over the Easter break.

To find out more and review dog zone map head to www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Pets-and-animals/Dogs and look out for signs at local beaches.