Pet owners urge Kingborough Council to rethink changes to dog management policy

HUNDREDS of pet owners have called on the Kingborough Council to back away from changes to its dog management policy.

Dog owner Bridget Delaney with her 11-month-old staffy cross Bruno at Kingston Beach rally todya. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

HUNDREDS of pet owners have called on the Kingborough Council to back away from changes to its dog management policy.

The upcoming local government elections were not far from protesters minds as they listened to speakers, with regular cheering — and occaisional barking — from the crowd.

One speaker urged people watching on to consider running for council this year.

Margate resident Bridget Delaney and her dog Bruno were among those gathered.

MORE: DOG OWNERS RALLY FOR BETTER DEAL

Concerned dog owners at the rally at Kingston Beach about Kingborough Council's proposed new policy. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Ms Delaney said she was concerned the changes proposed by the Kingborough Council would be too restrictive for owners wanting to exercise their pets anywhere but their backyard.

“I think with dogs as prominent as they are in the community, trying to squeeze them into a few local areas is difficult,” she said.

Protesters at today’s rally were reminded local government elections were not far away. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Trying to teach (Bruno) to avoid dogs when there’s only about 5m where he can avoid dogs is quite hard.

“It’s up to the individual owners, and I don’t think we should be restricted and controlled by a council.”

Kingborough Mayor Steve Wass said “nothing polarises this community like dogs”.

“Dog owners would like more, and the non-dog owners would like to see less. What we’re trying to do is create a middle ground where we can bring our community together,” he said.

Kingborough Council Mayor Steve Wass says the council is seeking middle ground on the issue of dog management in the municipality. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN