COUNCIL has lifted the ban on dogs at Cleveland’s Bloomfield Street markets, after consultation found that 81 per cent of people were against the prohibition.
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The decision follows an uproar by Cleveland business owners and market-goers over the enforcement of the law.
The business owners feared that if fewer people attended the market because of the ban some businesses might no longer be viable.
BOQ Cleveland owner Brett Smith, who is treasurer of the Cleveland Village Traders Association – which owns the market permit – said he was happy the law had been changed.
“It is good for business, and if it’s good for business, it’s good for Cleveland,” he said.
“I am very happy council listened to the majority and not the extreme minority.”
Mayor Karen Williams said council had decided to consult with the community after debate arose over the law, which banned dogs between 6am and 4pm on Sundays in the section of Bloomfield Street where the market is held.
“The prohibition on dogs at the markets had been in place for more than 20 years,” she said.
“Due to community debate about the matter, I thought the best course of action was to ask the community, through formal, public consultation, what they wanted.
“The outcome was clear, with 81 per cent of the 988 respondents indicating they wanted dogs to be permitted at the markets.”
In September, council put up signs about the law and warned that after a three-week leeway on the ban, fines up to $261 might be issued.
A council spokesperson said at the time that people had complained about dogs fighting, dogs causing market patrons to step on or almost fall over the pets and market patrons concerned about large dogs in the marketplace.
However, market organiser Claire Reid said at the time no incidents about dogs had been reported to market staff in the three-and-a-half years she had been running the market.
Real estate agent Kylie Scott said she was excited that dog owners would have the choice to take their pets to the market.
“Not all dogs are suitable to take to the markets but it is better for people to have the option,” she said.
“As we become more and more busy, being able to include our dogs on social outings is important.”
Cr Peter Mitchell urged people taking dogs to the markets to be responsible pet owners.
“While it is good to see the prohibition lifted, dog ownership and taking dogs into public areas comes with responsibilities,” he said.
“This includes keeping dogs on leashes, ensuring they are not a nuisance or a danger to others, and cleaning up after them.”
The change to the animal management law also included adding dog off-leash areas at Victoria Point’s Eprapah Creek Corridor, Redland Bay’s Beachwood Street Park, Capalaba’s Gundagai Drive Park and Freshwater Street Park, Thornlands.
