LOCAL residents who love walking their dogs on Mystery Bay beach south of Narooma have sought clarification on the Eurobodalla off-leash rules after a misunderstanding last month.
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With the exceptionally large crowds at Mystery Bay this year, many who visit with dogs, a group of local and regular dog walkers were told that off-leash did not apply at any time on the beach, much to their shock and disbelief.
The Narooma News sought clarification for them and Eurobodalla Shire Council says there are no planned changes to the dog off-leash areas at Mystery Bay or anywhere else in the shire.
A council spokeswoman confirmed the information on the sign remained correct and apologised that the group of regular dog walkers seem to have received misinformation.
“Council provides a mix of time-share pet exercise areas across the Eurobodalla,” she said. “The area at Mystery Bay beach between the camping area and the National Park boundary is designated ‘time share off-leash’.
“This means pets can be off leash from 5pm to 9am from November through to April. During the cooler months between May to October, the beach is off leash 24 hours a day.
“The time share arrangement during the busy summer months ensures that pets can have their off-leash time in the morning and evening, but allows beach goers to have a dog-free environment between 9am and 5pm.”
The local area residents and regulars on the beach year-round for their part have pledged to take responsibility and make sure dogs are well behaved and that they pick up after them too.
While council may have received complaints, locals are sure any problems were with visitors not being aware of or following the rules. The Mystery Bay campground that was full to capacity of the Christmas break is dog friendly and so campers can bring their furry friends with them.
The local dog walkers point out the Australian Veterinary Association states that at 63 per cent, Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. There are estimated to be 4.2 million pet dogs in Australia; 19 dogs for every 100 people.
A recent survey by travel booking site Wotif.com revealed 91 per cent of respondents have a pet and a staggering 49.1 per cent like to take their furry friend on holidays with them.