Debate: Should dogs be allowed in more public spaces in Australia?

Australia is a nation of dog fanatics, but despite high rates of pet ownership, debate rages over whether our public spaces could be more pooch friendly.

Australia may be a dog-loving nation, but there are many places where pooches are not welcome, sparking a debate over whether dogs should be allowed in more public spaces.

Dogs continue to be the nation’s most popular pet, with more than five million of them across the country.

As dog ownership grows and living arrangements turn away from houses with big backyards to smaller apartments, there are calls for pooches to have more freedom in public areas.

Despite being a nation of canine lovers, Australia has many restrictions over where dogs are allowed, including parks, beaches, cafes, shops and public transport.

In other dog-loving countries, like the UK, Europe and the US, dogs are much more tolerated in public areas, with it not uncommon to see a pooch on public transport or in department stores.

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With more than five million dogs across Australia, there is a debate over whether pooches should be allowed in more public spaces.

Aussies face many restrictions over where they can take their pooch, with local councils enforcing no-go zones at parks and beaches, with noncompliance often carrying a hefty penalty.

In Australia there are leash laws that require all dogs to be on lead in public places unless in a designated off-lead area.

Earlier this year, debate raged over whether dogs should be banned from Bunnings after an unrestrained Pit bull attacked and killed a smaller dog in a traumatic incident at a store near Brisbane.

The attack sparked outrage, with many questioning why pets, other than assistance dogs, are allowed inside the hardware stores in the first place.

Dogs are welcome at Bunnings stores across the country, but store policy stipulates the animals must be friendly and either secured safely in a vehicle or trolley, on a lead, be wearing a muzzle or be carried.

Despite the rare incident, the chain did not change its policy, and dogs remain popular visitors to Bunning stores. There is even a Facebook page called ‘Dogs of Bunnings’ which is dedicated to pooches spotted in the aisles.

At the time, former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage spoke out in favour of dogs being allowed inside Bunnings stores.

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Dogs are allowed at Bunnings stores across the country under strict guidelines.

“You go there on the weekends and you take your dog because it’s a nice day out,” she said.

“Banjo runs around and all the staff are wonderful to him,” she said of her beloved Labrador.

“It must just be horrific to see this happen to your pet.”

In many cities, pets are banned from travelling on trains, buses, trams and ferries, making it difficult for dog owners without a car to get around.

In Sydney, a controversial rule came into force this month which effectively bans dogs from ferries, unless they are in a carrier.

While the restriction is not exactly new, it will now be enforced, with pets on leashes no longer allowed to travel.

More than 3000 Sydneysiders have signed a petition protesting against the enforcement, which will be taken to state parliament.

The changes bring the rules into line with those currently in place on buses and light rail in the state.

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Australia has many restrictions over where you can take your dog. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

Despite the challenges, research shows there are many benefits that come from dog ownership, many of which have been particularly vital during isolation caused by the covid pandemic.

Owning a dog has been found to improve overall health and wellbeing, acting as a mood booster and often giving their owners a reason to exercise.

Having a dog has been shown to increase social connectedness and help in coping with depression, loss and grief.

Experts Louise Grimmer, of the University of Tasmania, and Gary Mortimer, of Queensland University of Technology, wrote in The Conversation that city planning needed to consider the needs of dog owners.

“There is clearly a need to provide more public places for animals and humans to interact, particularly in settings that allow for greater social interplay,” they wrote.

“As city planners work towards cities that are ‘smart’, ‘green’ and ‘walkable’, the focus should also be on making our towns and cities much more pet-friendly by providing outdoor spaces that encourage and foster interaction between animals and humans.

“Given Australia’s passion for pets, we should be able to interact with them in public. This will help us strengthen social ties, build local communities, improve our health and reduce social isolation.”

Originally published as Debate: Should dogs be allowed in more public spaces in Australia?