By Michael Roberts | posted on March 5, 2020
A DISGRUNTLED group of Albany residents want to get rid of the dog exercise area at Emu Point Western Swimming Beach, arguing the dogs have ‘taken over’.
Last week the City of Albany Council received a community petition containing 301 signatures that requested the area no longer be designated as a dog-friendly zone.
The contentious dog exercise area is a small strip of about 80m, wedged between the rock wall and groyne opposite Cunningham Street.
Within designated dog exercise areas, pooches can roam freely without being on a leash.
Speaking to Council on behalf of the concerned locals, Spencer Park resident Sue Buckingham said dogs and beachgoers were battling for space.
“We consider this beach totally inappropriate as a dog exercise area,” she said.
“It further reduces the number of areas where swimmers can go without dogs taking over.”
The section of beach was changed to a dog exercise area in November 2018 after community requests for a sheltered beach area where less mobile residents and families with small children could take their dogs.
In December 2019, residents started taking their dogs down to the area more regularly after the City installed additional signage that made it clear furry friends were welcome.
Ms Buckingham argued there were plenty of other places close by for dog owners to take their loyal companions.
Under City of Albany’s Dog Exercise, Prohibited and Rural Leashing Areas Policy, there are currently 15 areas/reserves within city limits where dogs don’t need to be on a leash, but must be controlled at all times.
These include a long strip of Middleton Beach from Surfers Beach to Firth Street and a section of Emu Point Marina Beach between Hunter Street and Swarbrick Street.
When the Weekender visited Emu Point Western Swimming Beach on two separate
occasions, there wasn’t a furry friend in sight, but Ms Buckingham told council swimmers have been side-stepping dog faeces all summer.
“It seems there is a total disregard for health and safety issues at this public area of western swimming beach,” she said.
At a Development and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting this Wednesday, City of Albany will review a number of strategies that could resolve the issue, including installing a barrier between beaches to deter dogs or restricting use based on season and times.
Since a spike in complaints, rangers have been visiting the area daily to educate users of appropriate dog management behaviour, according to the City.
