A NORTH Coast resident has accused his local council’s new animal control officer of going too far by issuing $580 fines “left, right and centre” with no discretion.
Byron Bay resident Damian Moses described the behaviour as “bizarre” and “ridiculous”.
He said the officer in question was fining every dog owners with a dog off lead anywhere outside the three off-lead areas, with no exceptions.
“He fines old ladies with walking frames taking their equally old mini-dogs along the footpath,” Mr Moses wrote in a letter to The Northern Star.
“He fines kids who are running with their harmless labrador along the Rec ground path (even on lead).”
“The overwhelming vast majority of Byron’s dog owners are responsible and control their dog, and would agree on strict control of certain breeds and owners who are not controlling their dog.
“But surely discretion and perspective is needed, and even a warning to those that genuinely thought it OK to let your dog play on the nature strip in front of your own house (apparently not folks). ”
“The balance is wrong Byron Council. $580 for anyone is ridiculous.”
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Byron Shire needs to become MORE dog friendly not less! There are just not enough places for dogs to be. The very few beaches are fine, but what about all the green park areas off limits to dogs? It is quite ridiculous. Dog owners are rate payers too,and there are a lot of us.
I think this is outrageous! How awful to take your dog for a lovely walk, doing no-one any harm, picking up your poo, enjoying all the other people and dogs that you meet… only to be ambushed by a fine wielding killjoy!!! If there is no public safety issue, it’s just revenue raising! Our lives are way too over regulated as it is! We should be able to walk our dogs in peace.