Owners dogged by fine trouble as council cracks down on no-dog’s land at Burleigh

NAUGHTY pooches straying into no-dog’s land at Burleigh have found themselves on the wrong end of the law.

A couple of dogs having some fun on a Gold Coast beach. Picture: Loren Mathew Mariani

NAUGHTY pooches straying into no-dog’s land at Burleigh found themselves on the wrong end of the law at the weekend.

Uniformed police and council officers pounced on the four-pawed offenders, biting owners with hefty fines and barking orders to remove animals that had crossed the line.

Apex and John Laws parks are two of the most picturesque areas on the Coast, but the views are not to be enjoyed by dogs, although many owners do not seem to realise it.

The parks are among 13 on the Coast where man’s best friend is not welcomed.

On Sunday, three people were fined for taking their best friends to the beach.

Fines are not cheap at $243 for bringing a dog to a prohibited area and a further $121 if the dog is not on a leash.

City off Gold Coast dog patrol officers have been cracking down on owners and their dogs off leash in On Leash only areas. Photo: David Clark

A Gold Coast council spokesman said joint patrols with police were conducted most weekends across the city.

“Scheduled patrols are arranged based on community concerns regarding noncompliance and within high-use areas to ensure public safety,” he said.

Area councillor Pauline Young said she had received a number of complaints recently of off-leash dogs in the area.

“A majority of dogs are well-behaved but there are some who are not under control who start fights,” she said.

Cr Young said a lot of people who were in the area did not know dogs were not allowed in the park.

“There are signs, and people in the area will let others know dogs are not allowed there,” she said.

The dog restrictions in the Burleigh headlands can be confusing.

Dogs are allowed to be brought into the parks if they are on a leash but only if they stick to the paved area.

Canines are not allowed to play in the grassed area or on the beach, whether they are on a lead or not.

City off Gold Coast dog patrol officers have been cracking down on owners and their dogs off leash in On Leash only area's along The Spit — Photo: David Clark

NO DOGS ALLOWED

Burleigh Heads Beach (including John Laws Park and Apex Park)

Coolangatta and Greenmont beaches, beach area from Kirra Point

Currumbin Estuary and beach (west of Currumbin Rock)

Currumbin Creek, Pacific Parade

Tarrabora Reserve

Kirra Beach (beach area from drainage outlet to Kirra Point)

Firth Park, Somerset Dr, Mudgeeraba

Laguna Park, Laguna Ave, Palm Beach

Murlong Park (barbecue and play areas)

Tallebudgera Tourist Park and swimming area

Rainbow Bay/Snapper Rocks, Marine Parade Rainbow Bay beach to Snapper Rocks

Tallebudgera Creek shore area

Schusters Park, Tallebudgera Creek Rd