Backlash over dogs on beach
A concerned group of Bridport dog owners want a draft Dorset Council dog policy changed to allow dogs off lead on the beach over summer for certain hours.
By Rachel Williams
A large group of Bridport residents and their pooches joined at Goftons Beach last week to highlight their concerns around the Dorset Council’s Draft Dog Management Policy, suggesting a compromise be considered.
The policy is out for public consultation until next Wednesday, October 21, and local resident Leonie Johnston is urging owners to make a submission.
Mrs Johnston raised the matter at the Bridport Innovations Council Candidate Forum a week ago and then organised for some locals to hit the beach with their pooches last week to publicise the matter.
She said a major concern was the Bridport restrictions banning dogs on the beach at all during summer.
The policy says: “dogs would be permitted off-lead from April 1 to November 1 at the beach areas of Eastmans Beach and Goftons Beach. Dogs would be permitted on a lead from April 1 - November 1 in the area between the Bridport Walking Track and the nominated beach areas of Eastmans Beach and Goftons Beach. Between November 1 and April 1, dogs are not permitted (restricted) in these areas.”
Dogs are allowed off lead at Trent Water and Adams Beach year-round.
Council has confirmed that the above rule is already in the current policy, which was last reviewed in 2021.
But, Council has admitted that the rule is not regularly policed and that signage and messaging had been confusing.
The draft policy, approved for public consultation by the current Council last month, does propose to introduce more staffing to deal with issues and non-compliance as well as better signage.
Mrs Johnston said Trent Water was very close to the road and even the best-behaved dogs have escaped their owners and ran onto the road, citing one example of a dog being hit by a car. Adams Beach was also quite inaccessible and a long way from the populated area for elderly or those without a vehicle, she said.
“The proposed restrictions would significantly affect a large group of local residents who use these beaches every day to exercise their dogs. These daily walks are not simply about dog exercise. They have become an important social activity, bringing people together, fostering friendships and providing support networks that contribute positively to mental and physical health.
“A practical compromise would be to allow dogs on Goftons and Eastmans beaches from 6pm until 9am between
November 1 and April 1. This would maintain public access during peak daytime periods while still giving responsible dog owners the opportunity to exercise their pets during cooler morning and evening hours.
“Bridport has no other safe, dedicated area where dogs can enjoy the same level of exercise and freedom. Removing access for six months of the year risks reduces opportunities for physical activity, social interaction and community wellbeing for many residents.”
While the Bridport beach is a major area of contention, the draft policy also includes a new Code of Dog Ownership section which aligns with the Dog Control Act.
The draft also proposes the inclusion of maintenance and responsibility
for the Scottsdale Dog Park to Council, outlines the process for complaints and nuisance mitigation, clarifies payment of fees and other expenses at the pound, introduces a new section outlining the process for dog welfare concerns and complaints, dangerous dogs and restricted breeds.
It also includes definitions of areas where dogs are allowed on and off a lead across the municipality, including Council land and sports grounds.
To make a submission you can visit - https://www.dorset.tas.gov.au/news/dog-management-policy-feedback