A Redlands councillor has mooted a trial for dogs on leashes at Wellington Point Recreation Reserve at all times, as owners demand the laws be changed.
Councillor Wendy Boglary has approached council officers to begin a trial at the reserve. Dogs are prohibited there between 9am and 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
Cr Boglary said her decision came on the back of council lifting a ban on dogs at Cleveland markets.
"I would be happy to support a trial to allow dogs on lead at the reserve at all times," she said.
"The reserve is such a popular but restrained destination, with most dog owners behaving responsibly," Cr Boglary said.
"However, council continues to receive numerous complaints. In the bathing reserve area and playground there is a hygiene and safety issue, hence dogs are not allowed in those areas at any times."
The dog restrictions had been in place at Wellington Point since 1997, she said.
"In 2009, I had council relent to allow to dogs being allowed before 9am and after 4pm on weekends and public holidays," Cr Boglary said.
Social media users are overwhelmingly in favour of relaxing the dog laws at the reserve.
"If dogs are on a leash, why can't we take them," Jane Lycitt wrote on Facebook.
"We don't go to Wellington Point anymore as we can't take our dogs."
"Hopefully council listens and gets rid of this ridiculous rule," Troy Small wrote.
One dog owner, however, said the laws were adequate.
"As a local and a dog owner, the rules are fine as they are," Craig Latimer wrote.
"Weekends are for families to have fun without worrying about dogs."
Roxanne Schwartz agreed.
"Dogs shouldn't be allowed there on weekends because that's when most families go," she wrote.
"There are plenty of dog parks you can take your dogs to."
Diane York disagreed.
"Leashed dogs should be allowed to enjoy time on the weekend with their family," she wrote.
"if a dog is not leashed, they should not be allowed."
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