AFL Outer East bans dogs from footy games

A Melbourne football league has called for supporters to stop bringing their dogs to matches after someone was bitten at a junior game. But fans say the league is barking up the wrong tree.

AFL Outer East has asked supporters not to bring dogs to matches.

Dogs have been given the boot from football and netball matches in the outer east with the league asking supporters to leave their pets at home on game day.

In a Facebook post, AFL Outer East said supporters were to leave pets at home after someone was bitten at a junior game this year.

“We all love our pets, but crowded places are not the best for them,” the post said.

“Please inform your members to leave their pets at home.

“We have already seen one case this year of a younger supporter being bitten by a dog at the football.”

But fans have blown the whistle on the request.

Nosilla Racivcm said: “Most dogs that come to the footy are great friendly dogs who have been going since pups. Sad one thing goes wrong and everyone gets punished,” while Laura Cross said: “This is really sad. It’s ridiculous. We are becoming a nanny country,”

Show us your paw-some footy fan dog photos

Take a look at the adorable dogs of AFL players

But AFL Outer East media manager Matthew Fotia said the plea was a precautionary measure.

As it stands, there is no law banning people from taking their pets to game.

“I love my dog more than anything but it’s one of those things. Dogs can become overwhelmed, especially with little kids running around,” Mr Fotia said.

“People can get aggressive and dogs get protective of their owners.”

MORE: AFL OUTER-EAST: MAGPIES COME FROM BEHIND WIN

TESSA FURNITURE IN BAYSWATER CLOSES

RINGWOOD DAD AND HIS DAUGHTER FORCED TO COUCH SURF

He said the league was relying on clubs and venues to police the rule.

“It is relying on clubs and we know it’s hard but spectators should respect the club and league’s decision,” Mr Fotia said.

“This is in place for safety reasons.”

Northern Football League media manager Samuel Zito said the association did not have a rule and had no plans to stop people bringing their pets to games.

PETS | We all love our pets, but crowded places are not the best for them. Please inform your members to leave their...

Posted by AFL OUTER EAST 'Community Bank' Football & Netball on Monday, 8 July 2019

Mr Zito said games were often played on Crown land and subject to council bylaws.

“At finals we don’t allow dogs because of larger crowd numbers but home and away matches we don’t have a ban,” he said.

Yarra Ranges Council and the Eastern Football League have been contacted for comment.