Beautiful summer marred by dogs

Another beautiful summer is coming to an end on the Peninsula.

For those who are not dog lovers, it was marred this season by the single but significant fact that, despite local council policy, we have once again been forced to share the water, sand, and the change rooms, with dogs in the no dog zones at Umina and Ocean Beaches.

Why is this we ask ourselves?

Perhaps it could be the complete absence of signs at all the entrances to the pedestrian access walkways and the miniscule signs placed at the car parks at the No Dog Zones.

Why is this still so? We wonder.

A year ago Mayor Brooks assured us the signage was being looked into.

Why are the signs still so miniscule or absent?

And the old, but still relevant, signs are left with the faded red cross appearing to be a yes to dogs instead of a no.

Is the council serious?

If it is, why are so many residents happily flouting the rules in full knowledge that there is very little policing (and yes we have asked these people and yes they know they will not be fined).

My husband and I are ratepayers and we very strongly object to swimming, lying, and changing with dogs of every description and size.

From what we can surmise, this area is attracting dog owners who know they can bring their dogs to the beach here.

Certainly it is quite apparent to locals at Umina and Ocean Beach that dogs appear in fact to be allowed always and everywhere, on and off the leash, the full length of the beach without compunction, despite council policy.

And please, don't tell us that the ranger does patrol or if you want to tell us this, please publish the statistic of fines taken over the last 12 months and we will send you copious photos daily from now on of all the ones the ranger seems to have missed.

We have rights too.

Swimming, lying unheeded without dogs literally licking our faces, and changing in change rooms without animals are our rights, according to current Gosford Council Policy.

Why are these rights not supported by adequate signage and policing?

We want to know.

Jennifer Herrick, Umina