Bundaberg Regional Council to enforce leads at region’s beaches

Pet owners are being put on notice amid warnings Bundaberg Regional Council is considering an “enforcement program” for off-leash dogs on the region’s beaches.

A dog on the beach at Bargara. Such sights could become less common amid a council crackdown.

Dog owners could be reaching deep into their pockets if they allow their dogs off-leash at the region’s beaches, a Bundaberg councillor has warned.

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Division 5 councillor Greg Barnes took to social media to warn of a potential crackdown on free-roaming beach dogs and says the move has come following numerous complaints.

“I‘ve recently received numerous complaints from morning walkers who have been confronted by dogs on the Bargara CBD beach (near the boat ramp),” he said.

“While I understand that dog owners want to let their pets romp on the beach or retrieve a stick from the surf, the council's local laws don’t allow it unless the area is a designated off-leash area.

“At the same time, I appreciate that some people are petrified of dogs and become anxious when they're running around them.”

Mr Barnes said the council could consider tough action if owners didn’t adhere to the rules.

“The purpose of this post is to advise dog owners that council officers have been asked to consider an enforcement program to support those laws, including early morning patrols of complaint areas,” he said.

At present, there are no off-leash beaches for dogs in the region, with some beaches including Kellys Beach and Nielson Park Beach having banned dogs outright.

Bundaberg Regional Council was asked about a potential enforcement program, what fines might cost and whether there would be any consideration for designated off-leash areas.

“Council continues to enforce the relevant state imposed regulations and its local laws in relation to animal management and educate the community on responsible pet ownership,” a spokesperson said.