canineclub

The following Media Release comes from the Australian Veterinary Association - “The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is urging councils to consider following the lead of the City of Sydney with its proposal to allow more places for dogs to be exercised.

AVA President, Dr Diane Sheehan, said the proposal was especially welcome because some people in urban areas and towns are missing out on the benefits of pet ownership because they feel there are too many council restrictions.

“Dog owners generally have never been more responsible. There is an explosion of interest in puppy pre-schools, dog training, and greater awareness about owning suitable breeds,” Dr Sheehan said. “These days dogs are treated something akin to a member of the family by their owners, yet there seem to be greater restrictions than ever on where families can take their pet.”

Dr Sheehan commended the City of Sydney for taking into consideration the all-round benefits of pet ownership on their ratepayers. “There is a wealth of international research showing that people who own pets are happier and healthier. The obvious benefit of taking a dog for a walk is that it provides exercise for both the pet and the owners, which is more important than ever. Taking a petfor a walk also provides a great excuse to get out in the community and meet other people,” Dr Sheehan said.

Dr Sheehan noted that the City of Sydney proposal to free up areas for dogs to be allowed off-leash excludes areas with barbecues and children’s playgrounds, and would still leave 300 parks within its boundaries where dogs are not permitted.

“Many councils around Australia have reserves where restrictions on taking dogs for a walk could be eased with minimal impact. We would encourage local government officials to take a fresh look at ways they can improve the lifestyles of pet owners,” Dr Sheehan said.

COMMENTARY:

The Australian Veterinary Association’s support for increased off leash areas for dogs is a welcome addition to the steadily growing chorus of voices Australia wide. What the AVA affirms is that dog ownership brings enormous rewards in terms of physical, social, and psychological benefits. It is therefore incumbent on local councils to both recognise and accommodate what the scientific evidence has been saying for nearly a decade – a well behaved, sociolised animal is a boon to its owners, neighbours, and the financial coffers of local government. Placing more and more restrictions on where dog owners may take their pets is not an answer, and does not ‘safeguard’ a community. As the AVA points out, ’responsible’ ownership is dependent on adequate open space for socialisation, exercise, and fun. Given that 40% of Australian households own dogs, then local councils can no longer ignore the evidence and the issue as Glen Eira has done. Here are some facts that reveal Glen Eira Clowncil’s abject failure to address any dog related issues:

• Its off leash zones were devised in 1996 - nothing has changed since then!
• Its regulations constitute one of the most draconian pieces of lawmaking in the metropolitan area.
• Since 1996 much off leash space has disappeared through park redevelopment, although the actual dog population has close to doubled.

Lack of adequate off leash areas results in overpopulated doggy parks, greater non-compliance, and fewer well socialised animals. The community as a whole then suffers!
 
It is also incredible that countless other councils can and do recognise the benefits of dog ownership. Not only have they directly engaged with their communities to devise, implement and oversee Animal Management Plans, but they have established ‘working parties’ that include residents – both pet owners and non pet owners. This Clowncil has thus far failed to even acknowledge that Animal Management and its associated issues are important enough for any consultative process to be undertaken. Residents aren’t even told WHO is on any so called ‘working party’ - all is secret, done behind closed doors, and with no resident/doggy group participation. Hence, its largest stakeholder group (i.e. dog owners) remains disenfranchised and ignored.

Dog owners contribute to council via their rates and their registration fees – they simply demand a say and equity in the allocation of open space so that the entire community may benefit. Perhaps councillors would do well to bear in mind the recent slogan of the Canine Association – ‘Dog Owners also Vote’!!!!!