Dogs on leashes at Broome beaches: new Animal Management Plan mandate
A new draft Animal Management Plan which will see parks across Broome open up to dogs but access to Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point restricted is set to front Broome Council this Thursday.
According to the draft plan, a 12-month trial allowing dogs at 13 local parks across Broome will be introduced, including Hin, Tanami, Tomarito, Cygnet, Sugar Glider, Maritana, Kapang, Sunset, Manggala, Sibosado, Pelcan Gardens and Tolentino Parks, as well as Solway Reserve.
It also proposes a trial allowing dogs off the leash on BRAC and Haynes Ovals when they are not being used for organised sport or events.
But access for dogs at Broome beaches will be restricted, with dogs only allowed on leashes at Gantheaume Point Vehicle Access Area and north of the rocks on Cable Beach when camel tours take place.
Dogs will also have to be on a leash around horses, camels and turtles; on footpaths, jetties and boat ramps, and when a boat is being launched or retrieved on a beach.
Camera IconAccess for dogs at Broome beaches will be restricted. Credit: Shire of Broome
The plan also proposes building a dedicated pound for the region, introducing a 1-year free pet registration program and a new Cat Local Law restricting the maximum number of cats per household.
An intensive sterilisation blitz program conducted on an annual basis to capture, desex and re-home stray dogs and cats is also on the cards.
The features of the draft Animal Management Plan were universally supported by 40 community members during workshops held in June with all items receiving at least 50 per cent support.
The least supported item was the introduction of a ‘best catio competition’ which only received 52.5 percent support.
“Gantheaume Beach is an unruly free-for-all for most dogs; the reason why I don’t go there with or without dogs. (It’s) such a busy and small area and people don’t bother to control their dogs,” workshop participant Jennifer Kranendonk said.
“I currently feel quite unsafe when walking, running and cycling in the community due to being chased by dogs off leads on several occasions,” workshop participant Sherylyn Fimmel said.
“Owners either know they are doing the wrong thing but flout the rules knowing that there is no consequence, or profess to not know the rules.”
The development of the draft plan cost $45,000 with the proposed plan to be implemented over five years if endorsed.
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