A Kyneton dog owner is calling on other dog owners to be more responsible for their pets when walking them off lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clive Rutter says that every time he takes his dog for a walk on lead, he is rushed at by off-leash dogs during the permitted 7.30-10am off-leash period on the Campaspe River Walk at Kyneton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Since the off-leash period’s implementation it has created two classes, the off-leash and on-leash dog owners, and the rift is growing,” Mr Rutter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Every time I take my dog for a walk on leash I get dogs off-leash rushing my dog and getting in his face which causes my dog to defend himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I ask the owner, who usually isn\u2019t anywhere near their dog, to call their dog and I always get ‘it’s okay, he\u2019s fine’, even though my dog is clearly being attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I then get abused because my dog on lead defends himself from the uncontrolled dog.”
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Mr Rutter said off leashers should not have their dogs off lead if they couldn\u2019t maintain control of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I seek fairness between the off and on-leashers so both can walk their dogs safely at all times,” he said.
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“I feel I can\u2019t take my dogs out in the morning anymore and I know there are many on-leashers that are experiencing the same issue.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Rutter said the amount of dog poo in the area had also increased substantially because the off leashers didn\u2019t pick up after their dogs.
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“The council should be requiring off and on-leashers to pick up their dog’s excrement and should position bins along the walk to discard it in,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rob Ball, Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s acting director of planning and environment, said council officers conducted proactive patrols in areas reported as having high levels of non-compliance with leashing and effective control requirements.
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“The Campaspe River Walk and Kyneton Botanical Gardens is an area where our local laws officers patrol,” he said.
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Mr Ball said the council reminded owners that they were required to observe leash and effective control requirements across the shire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Dogs in public places must also be under effective control at all times,” he said.
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“In off-leash areas, the owner must carry a leash, chain or cord that is in good condition and is able to be placed on the dog when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The dog must remain within 50 metres of the owner so that it is in visual and audible range to allow for effective recall at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Dogs must not be allowed to harass, intimidate, worry, or behave antisocially toward another person or animal.”
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Mr Ball said failure to adhere to these requirements was an offence under the Domestic Animal Act 1994, and dog owners could be fined for each offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Council encourages everyone to report urgent issues such as a dangerous dog or dog attack by calling (03) 5422 0333 (24 hours). In case of emergency, call 000 (triple zero),” he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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