By BREE FULLERSept. 15, 2014, 8:53 p.m. <\/p>\n
A respected Austinmer veterinarian has joined the Wollongong Dog Community group in a fight to save the northern Illawarra's off-leash dog beaches. <\/p>\n
A respected Austinmer veterinarian has joined the Wollongong Dog Community group in a fight to save the northern Illawarra's off-leash dog beaches. <\/p>\n
Former RSPCA NSW director and veterinarian of 43 years Dr Rick Prowse has called for the council to maintain existing off-leash zones, saying further restrictions would unfairly punish responsible dog owners. <\/p>\n
\"I'm happy to stand up and defend the only area available to people who spontaneously want to get up, go for a walk, throw a ball and do something with the dog,\" the Austinmer vet said. <\/p>\n
\"The beach is an ideal, beautiful environment and we've got enough beaches to share for those who like dogs and for those who don't like dogs. <\/p>\n
\"There are an irresponsible few who don't clean up after their dogs or don't control them when there are people around who may be a little anxious about dogs ... but I don't think you should chastise the thousands of people who are doing the right thing for the few who aren't.\" <\/p>\n
Under planned changes to its dogs on beaches and parks policy, the council has recommended dogs only be allowed on Sharkeys, McCauleys and Little Austinmer beaches at restricted times, provided they are on a leash. <\/p>\n
Dr Prowse said the dog-owning community needed safe and convenient places to exercise their dogs, away from roads and free from hazards such as bush ticks and snakes. He said a lack of suitable parks or open spaces in the northern Illawarra meant the beach was the only viable option for most people. <\/p>\n
If the council took that option away, the health and well-being of dogs and owners would be negatively affected, Dr Prowse said. <\/p>\n
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The rest is here:<\/p>\n
Off-leash dog beaches: vet joins howls of protest<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By BREE FULLERSept. 15, 2014, 8:53 p.m. A respected Austinmer veterinarian has joined the Wollongong Dog Community group in a fight to save the northern Illawarra's off-leash dog beaches Continue reading