That’s a bit ruff! Victor Harbor dog walkers slam beach ban plan

Victor Harbor council’s plans for three areas on its foreshore have been slammed as “morally wrong”.

Victor Harbor dog owners are up in arms following a review to council by-laws that could have them effectively banned from their favourite beach.

Victor Harbor council on Monday announced proposed changes to its dogs by-laws that would make three areas of the city’s foreshore on-leash only zones.

The proposals include Hindmarsh Estuary and the establishment of a new off-leash dog area.

Dog owner Steve Robinson said this change to a regular walking tradition would lead to off-leash dog walkers having to make use of a potentially dangerous alternative.

“They have offered us Petrel Cove … it’s a very small beach, very rocky, half the beach are clints and grikes which are absolute ankle snappers,” the 68-year-old said.

A group of more than 30 Victor Harbor residents gathered on their favourite beach to show their opposition of the proposed changes to the dog by-laws including Margaret Morgan with Zoe, and Steve Robinson, with Mollie and Freida, among their dog walking friends. Picture: Dean Martin

“Older people who are less mobile and want to let their dogs run free and to have their dogs on leashes for a big stretch of beach is just another aggravation and erosion of amenities.

“People here are really quite angry about this proposal.”

Mr Robinson started a petition on Wednesday after he learned of the proposal, which has gathered more than 150 signatures in three days.

The 68-year-old said the change could mean some members of the community with disabilities and reduced mobility would be without a method to exercise their furry companions.

“We have two people here who can only access the beach via the ramp at the end of Bridge Point,” Mr Robinson said.

“It’s vitally important that we keep this area off-leash for people like (them) otherwise they literally have no where else to exercise their dogs.

“Effectively the council will be banning these people for the rest of their lives, which is morally wrong.”

Off-leash dog walkers along Hayborough Beach, part of the Hindmarsh Estuary, enjoy the sense of community off-leash dog walking brings to their daily lives. Picture: Dean Martin

Under current by-laws, dog walkers are able to enjoy the foreshore with their off-leash pooches in the October – March season before 10am and after 8pm daily and breaches could incur fines up to $312.50.

But Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins said the proposed changes would not alter much and had come off the back of community suggestions during the by-law review.

“There has been suggestions that dogs are not allowed off-leash near the estuary due to the (Hooded) Plovers there and biodiversity in the area,” Dr Jenkins said.

“We have had people say they would like Petrol Cove to be an off-leash area, however, there are difficulties with that as there is no disability access and also the rips are quite dangerous.”

But Dr Jenkins said before any decisions were made, the council would be communicating widely to the community and assess the challenges and advantages associated.

The proposal will open to community consultation on Tuesday, October 31 and close 21 days later.

Dr Jenkins said any members of the public who wanted to have their say on the matter were strongly encouraged to go online to Your Say Victor Harbor during the consultation period.