Wellington Point dog owners to present petition to Redland City Council, demanding change to laws

They will present a 700-strong petition to Redland City Council in support of their cause.

But councillors say dog lovers have plenty of time to enjoy the reserve, and the laws have been implemented because of irresponsible people putting swimmers, young children and wildlife at risk.

Dogs are allowed on leashes on the beach every weekday, and before 9am and after 4pm on weekends.

Wellington Point man Lynden Christophers and other signatories said that was not enough.

He wants dogs to be allowed on the beach all weekend.

"A lot of people work through the week, and the weekend is the only time they have got," he said.

Mr Christophers said the laws were ruining the area's reputation among visitors to the Redlands.

He said one man, who was from Ipswich, was slugged more than $500 in fines for having two dogs on the beach outside the permitted hours.

"He has never been before, and he will never come back," Mr Christophers said.

"He will go back and tell all his mates what a rubbish place Redlands is."

Mr Christophers said the family friendly nature of the area had been destroyed by the laws and the zealous nature with which council officials used to enforce them.

"Whenever I see the dog control officials, I don't want to be down there," he said.

Wellington Point's Cr Wendy Boglary, urged those with dogs to visit the area in the permitted time.

"During the week, when it's not as busy, they can go down there at any time with their dogs," Cr Boglary said.

"These laws are a necessary part of protecting reserve users and migratory birds who have flown thousands of kilometres.

"Birds which have just flown 10,000 kilometres, and are down up to a third of their body weight, will not have energy to be able to get away from a dog."

A copy of the petition is at Refuelled Cafe. Owner Nigel Lozell said he was pleased to support it.

"We love dogs, and the more dogs, the merrier," he said.