Leash-free dog beach coming to Frankston as cats face 24-hour curfew
Dogs will soon be able to fun free along a Frankston beach. But things aren’t looking so rosy for their feline friends.
South East
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Frankston is getting its first dog beach and locals can help pick where it is.
The council has asked residents to vote for one of five beaches across Frankston and Seaford.
Options include Keast Park, Seaford, Armstrongs Road, Seaford, Seaford Beach. Gould Street Beach near Wells St. and part of the Olivers Hill to Frankston Pier area.
Locals can also choose between a 24 hour leash free beach and one that operates from 7.30pm to 9.30am.
The results will be included in the a report to be presented to the council at a November 15 meeting where a final decision on the location and times is expected.
Cr Claire Harvey said the council had listened to community feedback which was overwhelmingly in favour of introducing a leash-free beach in the municipality.
Cr Brad Hill said a July survey found 74 per cent of the 283 respondents wanted the dog beach.
“The approved beach will be clearly signed and marked so the public are aware of any restrictions or allowances,” he said.
The survey followed a May consultation process on the council’s new Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).
The DAMP is a State Government requirement for all Victorian councils under the Domestic Animal Act 1994.
A DAMP must be submitted every four years to the Department of Agriculture and review the actions undertaken each year.
Frankston’s DAMP also proposed a 24 hour cat curfew and allowing dogs back into Frankston’s CBD.
The cat curfew was not as popular and an online petition against the move was created by Jodi Clarke.
Ms Clarke said forcing cats to live under 24 hour curfew was cruel.
“Imagine not being allowed to breathe fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, feel the wind again, run, climb and explore, plus socialise with other animals,” she said.
“We all know what it’s like to be locked up 24/7 with Covid and now the council want to do this to cats.”
Ms Clarke was also worried about the logistics and costs of containing cats that had always roamed free.
“I fear many cats may end up in animal shelters and ultimately be killed.”
The petition has 348 signatures.
Vote for your choice of dog beach here before 5pm, October 11.