Darwin pet owners ignore rules about walking dogs at East Point Reserve

DESPITE at least five signs, Darwin dog owners are ignoring council bylaws and walking their pooches at East Point

DESPITE at least five signs, Darwin dog owners are ignoring council bylaws and walking their pooches at East Point.

The reserve is classified as ‘dog-free’ in an attempt to maintain a safe area for the local wallabies, however it appears dog owners have decided to do their own thing.

Millie Liddell and Eleanor Liddell walk their dog Penfold at East Point Reserve in Fannie Bay. PICTURE: Elise Derwin

Pet owner Faye Liddell said she didn’t realise pooches couldn’t use the reserve.

“It’s a beautiful walking track and to not be able to walk your dog is silly,” she said.

She said while she understood the concern over the wallabies, other rules could be put in place.

“Our dog always stays on the lead, if you’re a responsible dog owner there shouldn’t be any problems,” Ms Liddell said.

Council rules stated most parks and beaches were off-lead areas, however there were some areas that didn’t allow dogs.

“Most council parks, reserves and beaches are `off-lead dog exercise areas’ as long as the dogs are supervised and under effective control. Dogs, however, are banned at East Point Reserve, in the Mall and at markets such as the Mindil, Rapid Creek, Parap and Nightcliff Markets,” the website states. “You must leave your dog at home when visiting East Point Reserve. It is a prohibited area for dogs.”

The calls for changes to the bylaw comes just weeks after council suggested dogs should be allowed in the Smith St Mall at certain times of the day to help to “activate the CBD”.