A GROUP fighting proposed bye-laws that would ban dogs
completely from some Southside beaches has rejected claims that they
misinformed councillors about their stance on the issue.
The Dogs Unleashed campaign is opposing proposals by
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to ban dogs from some beaches altogether
while prohibiting dogs that are not on leashes from others.
The existing bye-laws stipulate that dogs must be on a
leash at all times on all beaches and in public parks except Killiney Hill and
at enclosed
‘dog pens’ in Marlay Park, Shanganagh Park, Deerpark and Cabinteely
Park.
Dogs are also completely banned from all beaches
during the summer months from June to September from the hours of 10am-7pm.
Outside of these times they must be kept on a leash.
The council is currently amending the existing
bye-laws for parks and beaches and is seeking submissions from the public and
other interest groups on the matter.
Last week, Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab) claimed the
Dogs Unleashed campaign had made what he described as
“unhelpful
? public
statements that suggested the council had made no concessions to dog owners on
the proposed new beach bye-laws.
He alleged the campaign had sent emails to councillors
which stated that the new proposed bye-laws granted
“no concessions, unless
getting up early and/or walking in the dark during the winter months of the
year is considered to be a concession
?.
Cllr Humphreys insisted that the local authority was
proposing
“changes of substance
? to the new bye-laws.
He noted that under the council’s new proposals dogs
would not be allowed on beaches in the designated bathing areas of Sandycove
and Seapoint all year round.
In addition, they would be banned from the designated
bathing areas of Killiney Beach during the hours 10am to 7pm from the months of
May to September.
However, he said that with the exception of Sandycove
Beach, there was
“significant scope
? under the proposals for owners to walk
their dogs on council beaches outside the designated bathing areas and on the
entire Killiney Beach from October to April.
He also pointed out that new draft bye-laws also state
that dogs should be kept on leashes from the hours of 10am to 7pm.
“Outside of these hours dogs are allowed off leash,
which is a significant change from the current approved bye-laws,
? he added.
In addition, he claimed the council had received over
100 complaints in relation to unleashed dogs, dog attacks or dog waste last
year.
“Waste left by dogs that are not under proper control
can cause serious diseases, particularly in children,
? he stated.
“These facts
cannot be ignored by the council.
?
However, Liz Nelligan, chairperson of the Dogs
Unleashed campaign, denied they had stated that the council had not offered
them any concessions on the bye-laws.
“We haven’t said we weren’t offered concessions,
? she
insisted.
“We said we were offered little concessions. And the reason for that
is we don’t consider it a major concession to allow us to walk our dogs off a
lead before 10am and after 7pm when, for six months of the year, we are in
darkness in the evenings.
“What is the valid argument for having dogs on leashes
at all our beaches that are not designated bathing areas from 10am to 7pm in
the middle of winter when there is nobody about but dog owners walking their
dogs?
?
She agreed with Cllr Humphreys on the issue of dog
waste and said her group was promoting a policy of responsible pet ownership.
She has called on the council to pursue dog owners who
breached the bye-laws on fouling.
“We are asking our council to go after the few rogue
dog owners who allow this to happen in the first place,
? she said.
“But we say
they cannot apply collective punishment to all dog owners for infringement by a
few.
?
A spokesperson for the council stated that the new
Draft Beach Bye Laws were advertised on January 9. The closing date for
submissions is 12pm on February 20.
“All submissions will be carefully considered before
new bye-laws are adopted by the council,
? he added.