Dog areas need policing

Something needs to be done to address the issue of dog owners at Ettalong Beach continuing to ignore council's dog regulations.

Everyday there are dogs off the leash on both the foreshore reserve and the beach. Many of these unleashed dogs are potentially dangerous animals.

It is not uncommon to see rottweilers, alsatians and pit bulls running free.

Many Central Coast residents, as well as visitors to the area, get a great deal of enjoyment as they walk along the Ettalong Beach foreshore reserve and observe the ducks and ducklings in the water.

However, many people were outraged recently when a dog owner allowed her unleashed dog to attack a mother duck and her four little ducklings, resulting in the death of one of the ducklings.

The dog owner was not concerned and continued on her way as though nothing had happened.

The dog could just have easily attacked a small child.

Council regulations require all dogs to be on a leash when taken on to public reserves.

Also, at Ettalong Beach, that section of the beach between Barrenjoey Rd and Beach St is an on leash exercise area only (24 hours per day).

That section of the beach between Beach St and Ferry Rd is a no dog area (24 hours per day).

If dog owners wish to exercise and train their dogs off the leash, they can go to two areas designated by council.

They are: that section of Ocean Beach between Barrenjoey Rd and Augusta St, and also that section of Umina Beach between the first beach access way south of the skate facility at Umina Oval to the end of the beach at Berrima Cr.

A fine of $110 applies if a dog is off the leash contrary to council regulations.

Also, dog owners can expect a $110 fine if their dog is found to be not registered.

According to Gosford Council, a review of Council's ranger services is currently underway and one aspect of that review is the hours of coverage provided.

It is to be hoped that regular policing of council's reserves and beaches is carried out as a result of this review.

At present, the coverage provided by council rangers at Ettalong Beach is inadequate.

Council is also looking at the adequacy of dog advisory signage.

Council also needs to do something about the irresponsible dog owners who continually allow their animals to pollute the beach and foreshore reserve at Ettalong.

Everyday you notice fresh animal waste lying around.

Who would want to visit the area? The solution to this matter depends upon regular policing by council rangers.

David White, Ettalong Beach