Dogs left to swelter at Bondi and other Sydney beaches as owners take a dip

Dog owners have been caught risking their pets’ lives by leaving them tied up in direct sun without water while they go for a swim across Sydney’s most popular beaches.

The mayor of Waverley is blowing the whistle on dogs being tied up in the sweltering heat.

Cr Paula Masselos said council rangers have seen an influx of dogs tied up in the sun while their owners enjoy themselves at the beach.

“Our rangers have observed dogs tied up to the ramp and railings at all our beaches, presumably while the owners swim, with many dogs appearing to be stressed, overheated and thirsty,” she said.

“It is critical that people understand that tying animals to a railing in the sun, or leaving them in a car, even with the windows opened a little, can cause heat stress.

“Furthermore, pavements are hot and may result in dogs’ paws being burnt.”

A Rhodesian ridgeback tied up at Bondi Beach while its owner enjoys the sand and surf. Locals said the dog was there for over 90 minutes. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

According to Cr Masselos, people treating their animals this way is a common occurrence at this time of year. While rangers can go around and make sure the animals are okay, they are not able to issue fines for people who tie their animals up for long periods of time in the sun.

Cr Masselos said she had not ruled out introducing new fines to combat the issue.

“It’s something we will consider looking into,” she said.

“Our current restrictions are based on the current government Companion Animals Act.”

The current fines in place are only for animal noncompliance such as not picking up faeces or having the dog off-leash or in a prohibited area.

One Rhodesian ridgeback, witnessed by The Daily Telegraph, was left tied up next to the bins at Bondi Beach for over an hour in 29 degree heat while his owner went for a swim.

The animal was left on the hot concrete of the esplanade without any shade or access to water.

Tied to a railing, the dog was observed panting and looking for its owner. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The owner returns (L) and talks to a lady who tried to give the dog water (R). Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Two passers-by tried to give the animal water as it was clearly distressed. When offered water it tried to nip those attempting to help it.

The owner declined to comment.

Bondi local, Ilene had tried to help the dog and told The Daily Telegraph the animal had been tied up for almost 90 minutes.

For Ilene such scenes were a frequent occurrence.

“It’s so terrible, I see it all the time,” she said

“There should be training for (dog) owners of the beach about how to look after their dogs properly.”

Mayor Paula Masselos urges beachgoers to leave their dogs at home if going for a long swim. Picture: Supplied

The RSPCA is well aware of the issue and encourages owners to maximise the safety of their dogs while visiting the beach.

“All animals are susceptible to heatstroke, so people need to make sure they take active steps to prevent it,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“Heatstroke is a very serious condition that can cause organ failure or death, and can be even worse in animals with other medical conditions like heart problems or breathing problems, have a thick or long coat, are very young or very old.”

According to the RSPCA, being left in the intense heat is especially dangerous for flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs.

Cr Masselos implored visitors to leave their dogs at home if they plan on swimming for a long time.

“If you are coming to the beach for a swim and your dog is accompanying you, please ensure they are tied up in the shade with water, and that your swim is brief,” she said