Summer dog orders now enforced

SUMMER dog regulations are now in effect and animal management officers are out in force to ensure compliance.

On the Surf Coast, summer timeshare restrictions came into effect December 1 on popular beaches between Torquay and Lorne, meaning dogs are not allowed on these beaches between 9am to7pm.

In the Borough of Queenscliffe, summer timeshare restrictions are in force on all beaches from 9am to 8pm, meaning that dogs aren’t permitted on any beach – excluding Narrows dog beach – during this time.

For Ocean Grove and Barwon Coast, following a 2-year trial period, Council resolved in December last year to permanently adopt the dog-free area at Ocean Grove main beach.

The dog-free area is between 13W Hodgson St beach access stairs and the western end of Main Beach promenade.

Outside of the dog-free area on Main Beach, the season has also been reduced by two months, to also finish at the end of February to align with adjoining coastal jurisdictions.

Mayor Trent Sullivan encouraged everyone to do the right thing.

“It’s important that everyone makes themselves aware of the orders to ensure that the entire community can enjoy their time at the beach this summer,” Cr Sullivan said.

“We understand that dogs are important for health and wellbeing for many people.

“At the same time the presence of dogs can be a negative for some people who are seeking to enjoy the beach experience.”

Animal management officers will be monitoring compliance to ensure that dog owners adhere to the seasonal change.

Surf Coast Shire Acting General Manager Community Life Travis Nelson said Council’s Ranger Services Team would be working in partnership with the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority to ensure dog regulations are observed and help keep community members and their pets safe and happy.

“The regulations also play an important part in protecting our environment and wildlife,” Cr Nelson said.

“We have designated areas where people can enjoy beaches and parks with dogs not allowed between

9am and 7pm, and also extensive areas where owners can have their dogs off-leash.

“We ask owners to pay attention to dog zone signs and remember that their dog is their responsibility.

Mr Nelson said owners can face fines for regulation breaches, including not having dogs registered, walking them in prohibited areas, allowing them to wander at large, not having them on-leash when they should be, failing to pick up after them, or failing to carry a dog waste bag.

For further information about dogs in public places, head to:

geelongaustralia.com.au/pets

surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Pets-and-animals/

queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/Residents/Pets-and-animals/