DOG laws throughout Redland City will be reviewed after a petition to change legislation at Wellington Point Reserve was brought before council this week.
Redland City Council withdrew to consult on a trial to relax dog controls at Wellington Point Reserve this week after dog lover Lynden Christophers brought his plight to council.
Instead, council voted to do a city wide review of dog regulations as this ongoing issue had reared its head in parks and beaches throughout the Redlands.
Dog controls, or lack thereof, have been the subject of a heated debate for years, with Mr Christophers having started a campaign over the past few months to change laws which ban pets from Wellington Point Reserve for most of the weekend.
Dogs are allowed on leashes on the beach every weekday, and before 9am and after 4pm on weekends. Officers are fining people who do not abide by the rule and Mr Christophers fears this will chase away visitors to the beach.
Mr Christophers and fellow dog lovers want dogs to be allowed on the beach all weekend. They took their protest to council on Wednesday, demonstrating with their dogs outside the offices in Bloomfield Street.
Caroline Price spoke to council urging them to change the dog laws at Wellington Point.
"The laws are so restrictive to our lifestyle and I think they need to take a look at the effect this is having on our lives. Our city is becoming more and more animal unfriendly," she said.
After a lengthy discussion, councilors agreed dog laws needed to be addressed throughout the city.
Cr Wendy Boglary, who has been following the dog dilemma for years said there were several issues identified across the city. She called for a proper thorough report to be undertaken in the Redlands.
"Everyone will get a chance to have their say - dog owners or not. It will be a fair and transparent process. The main priority was human safety, so everyone can use the area," she said.
She said each site in the city should be looked at differently as they had diverse aspects.
Cr Paul Golle agreed public safety must be taken into account when addressing dog laws.
He cited several dog attacks in the city, including Thornlands and Alexandra Hills where dogs had not been controlled by their handlers.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
