Does Sydney have a ‘pet etiquette' problem? These councils think so
Increased fines and requirements for dog owners to attend responsible pet ownership training are among measures multiple local councils say could address breaches of responsible pet ownership rules and a 'troubling' decline in pet etiquette in Sydney's outdoor areas.
The case for tougher penalties has been made to a NSW government review of companion animal legislation, which is considering changes to enforcement powers for all councils across NSW.
Waverley Council has argued tougher penalties, including the ability to compel dog owners to attend responsible pet ownership training, could address the increase in dogs being walked off-leash in non-designated areas, as well as reports of rangers experiencing 'abuse' and 'coordinated online harassment by groups opposing leash laws'.
Randwick Council also wants stronger enforcement powers, arguing: 'Many residents have reported off-leash dogs harassing children and wildlife' as well as 'owners neglecting to pick up dog droppings, leaving mess in parks'.
In NSW, councils can issue maximum fines of $330 fines for breaking off-leash walking rules – less than half the $806 fine in Queensland – while the fine for failing to pick up dog faeces is set at $275.
Randwick dog walker Rod Dee believes pet owners are being unduly 'targeted' by the 'revenue-raising' exercise.
'Since COVID, dog ownership numbers have increased which means dogs are more visible in the area and not everyone likes dogs which means there's probably more complaints to councils,' he said.
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