Instagram-famous dogs front Point Cartwright anti-ban campaign

Insta-famous dogs with close to 10,000 followers are leading the pack against a controversial off-leash dog ban proposed for a popular Sunshine Coast beach.

Instagram-famous dogs Leroy and Piglet at the recent protest against the dog ban proposal for Point Cartwright. Picture: Monique Ashmore

A trio of Instagram-famous dogs is leading the pack against a controversial off-leash dog ban proposed for a popular beach at Buddina.

Piglet, Leroy and Lenny fronted a protest on Sunday, September 3 against the removal of off-leash dog access areas at Point Cartwright and La Balsa Park.

The protest followed a vote by Sunshine Coast councillors to propose the removal of the northern off-leash dog area at Point Cartwright in August, despite public opposition to the plan.

The owners of the three dogs have been using Instagram to shine light on the issue, with Piglet boasting over 5000 followers, while Leroy and Lenny collectively have over 4300 followers on the platform.

Leroy and Piglet could go even more viral next month, with the especially close pair set to tie the knot in a dog wedding at Barktoberfest in Brisbane.

Instagram-famous dogs Leroy and Piglet at the recent protest against the dog ban proposal for Point Cartwright. Picture: Monique Ashmore

Piglet’s owner Monique Ashmore is hopeful her French Bulldog’s social media presence can bring attention to the off-leash proposal.

“We’re just raising public awareness, there’s so many locals that are unaware of what the local government is trying to do at Point Cartwright,” Mrs Ashmore said.

“There’s so many dog owners on the Sunshine Coast that have been blindsided.”

The owner of Animal Affair Boutique and Grooming said there is no other off-leash dog area like it on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s a happy place, a calm place for dogs to enjoy the water,” she added.4

“We have dog meetups there, it’s just a place where everyone can go after work just to relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and the dogs just love playing together there.”

The owner of Leroy and Lenny Suzanne Parkinson said her dog’s Instagram following has played a critical role in getting the message out.

Minyama local and dog owner Suzanne Parkinson. Picture: Supplied

“As well as our social media campaign, we’ve also been going for walks on the weekends to raise awareness, handing out pamphlets to members of the public,” she said.

The Minyama resident said all dog owners are asking for is that the off-leash hours of 4pm to 8am remain.

“It’s very important to us to have our dogs be able to swim, especially in that little area of river where the waters are calm, as small dogs like Leroy actually can’t swim in the ocean,” she said.

Proposed changes to Point Cartwright.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the proposed changes are subject to a local law amendment process, which council will vote on at its next ordinary meeting.

“With regard to the animal access element, the master plan is not currently enforced,” the spokesperson said.

“Any changes to dog off-leash and prohibited areas requires an amendment to Council’s Local Laws.

“Subject to Council agreeing to commence the local law amendment process, our community will be able to provide feedback on the proposed changes to animal access in a separate local law community engagement process.”

If council votes to commence the local law making process, residents will be able to have their say in the community consultation process, which will take place from Monday, September 25, 2023 to Monday, October 30, 2023.

Originally published as Instagram-famous dogs front Point Cartwright anti-ban campaign