Authority ‘to put bite on river dog walkers’

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
IRRESPONSIBLE owners walking unrestrained dogs along the Barwon River face a crackdown, according to Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.
The authority said owners failing to scoop their dog’s poop would also risk fines.
Compliance officers would patrol pathways and reserves along the Barwon River between Queen’s Park Bridge and Breakwater Road.
Authority river health manager Trent Wallis said unrestrained dogs were chasing cyclists, knocking over pedestrians, fighting with other dogs and attacking local wildlife.
“The reserves are for everyone to enjoy and sometimes dogs roaming free or dog droppings spoil that for other visitors,” he said.
Mr Wallis said enforcing legislation had been in place for three years, with authority and City Hall running regular checks.
“Enforcing this legislation allows everyone to enjoy the Barwon River’s recreation areas and helps protect the waterway and its local wildlife,” he said.
City local laws manager Steve Sodomaco said a three-year legal agreement provided for council officers to carry out regular patrols along river pathways on behalf of the catchment authority.
Council favoured education rather than enforcement but must maintain order along with the amenity of the parkland along the Barwon, he said.
Fines ranged between $50 and $100.
Geelong Obedience Dog Club secretary Karen Millard said it was a shame a few irresponsible owners were ruining the river walk for other responsible users.
“It sounds as if they’re coming down pretty heavily but I’d hate to see a crackdown,” she said.
“Dogs don’t have much freedom these days.”
Ms Millard said a scheme sending owners to obedience classes would have greater impact than fines.
Ms Millard said the club had an off-leash area open to the public Monday to Saturday.
“They can have a good run as long as owners do the right thing and pick up after their dogs.”