Complaints about dogs on sporting grounds rise, as players tackle dog poop and holes

Dogs have pooped on and dug up ovals in the Adelaide Hills Council area and the sporting community say it’s putting them off their game.

Fluffy footy fans are causing trouble on Adelaide Hill’s recreation grounds, resulting in a “surge” in complaints from the sporting community.

The Adelaide Hills council has received multiple reports of dog waste being left on local sporting grounds – the council was unable to provide specific details – which proposes a “unhygienic and unacceptable risk” according to the council’s sport and recreation co-ordinator Renee O’Connor.

“Unfortunately this is not a new issue, and we are really disappointed that a small number of dog owners are refusing to heed our call for responsibility,” she said.

“To be frank, it is a disgusting thing to leave dog waste in an area where children will be

rough-housing and playing contact sports.”

Complaints were raised about dog poo on Bridgewater Oval two years ago – it’s a hazard for training and matches. Picture: Tom Huntley

Bridgewater Callington Raiders Football Club raised their concerners on the matter to the council two years ago, but the issue persists to this day said club president Simon Bryars.

“It’s still a huge problem. Every training and game it is just everywhere,” he said.

“It’s just frustrating and causes a potential health issue for our players. This is a sporting facility not a dog park.”

The issue has now escalated at the Raiders football club said Mr Bryars, now dogs are digging holes on the field, damaging thousands of dollars in redevelopments.

“We have done so much work on drainage for our oval and they are coming through off-leash and digging it up,” he said.

“The holes they create are dangerous and we have already had players roll their ankles.

“We just want to see the dogs on a lead that way they can be controlled by the owner.”

Adelaide Hill’s council currently has 29 dog-friendly areas in the district, 18 of these with off-lead allowances.

Dog waste bags are also provided in various places popular with dog walkers, but Ms O’Connor says that owners shouldn’t rely only on council-provided bags.

“This is a matter of respect for other people and we hope that those irresponsible few can change their ways and make our recreation spaces safe again.

An on-the-spot fine of $210 is the current solution to ensure people pick up after their dogs and a council representative said that they will be cracking down on offenders in the coming months.

Southern Football League members Clint Howes A-grade coach and president Craig Warman. Picture: Tom Huntley

These incidents come just days after The Advertiser revealed that the Southern Football League has banned pet dogs from its venues.

League chief Craig Warman said the rule was integral for the safety of footy-goers.

“What we have to understand here is that we’re looking at the protection of patrons,” Warman said.

“If a dog attacks someone, who’s at fault?”

The announcement sparked an upset response by some of the league’s fans.

“It’s silly as far as I’m concerned and it really makes little sense,” said Morphett Vale Football Club fan and past player Manny Glazbrook.

“We’ve always walked dogs down to the club on every other day, and on weekends with no issues so why should everything change now?”