Ban on dogs at Jan Juc reserve

Alex de Vos
Surf Coast Shire will ban dogs from playgrounds at a Jan Juc reserve amid fears of attacks on children.
An officers’ report to council said the bans at Bob Pettit Recreation Reserve would ensure “an enjoyable and safe space for the children and families using these facilities”.
The new restrictions would prohibit dogs from entering playgrounds to the east and adjacent to the reserve’s pavilion.
“Council received correspondence from residents in this area concerned that dogs are permitted in the playground area, which highlighted the need for the review of the regulations in line with the rest of the shire,” the report to council said.
The shire will erect signs banning dogs the playground and amend the shire’s dog regulation brochures. Rules covering the rest of the reserve will remain unchanged.
Nearby resident and dog owner Clancy Merrett said the reserve was a handy place to walk his pet.
“We’re down there every day and it’s a good place to get them off the leash and have a good run around,” Mr Merrett said.
“There are restrictions on the beach, so the ovals are really good. They’re also safe and away from roads.”
Mr Merrett said most of dogs that ran on the reserve were “generally well-behaved and very social”.
Mr Merrett urged council to keep the reserve an off-leash area.
“There aren’t many places left around the Surf Coast (for dogs),” he said.
“It’s a really good community spot and we want to keep it that way.”