Keep your dogs away from vulnerable seabirds

Cheltenham Beach particularly, and also Torpedo Bay, Duders Beach and Devonport Beach, have a large tidal movement, which makes them ideal for seabirds to rest and feed at low tide.

This can only occur if they are left undisturbed by people and animals.

It seems the majority of dog owners are either unaware of, or ignore, the leashing requirements of dogs whilst walking on the beach.

Apparently, as our rates rise by double figures, we can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for unnecessary pedestrian-crossing ‘upgrades’, but don’t find it necessary to keep our environment clean and healthy.

Alan Gibb

Dogs actually have greater free access to the beach than in the past.

The former requirements around leashing had a six-month summer (more time required to be leashed) and a six-month winter period.

The summer period is now only three

Why not give someone a ride?

Recently, I dropped our car in for servicing in Fred Thomas Dr. “I’ll get the bus home,” I said to my wife confidently.

However, having got there and checked the timetable, it looked like a 45-minute experience. “I’ll walk then,” I thought to myself, and did so successfully, even avoiding the rain.

As I was strolling along Lake Rd towards Belmont, I noticed how many cars were travelling towards Devonport. They’d be doing the same thing all day. I then passed a bus stop, with a lady sitting there waiting for the bus. A car with one occupant was stopped in the traffic adjacent to her. It struck me – why doesn’t the car give this lady a lift? Why couldn’t they give me a lift?

The car was going in the same direction, it had plenty of room, so why not? It would save time, save cost, help save the planet and perhaps start a friendship.

So why don’t we do it?

I’ve done it a few times without hassle, and it has been very appreciated. Yes, the people looked “normal” and not a prospective axe murderer. Is that probably the issue? We don’t trust anyone any more?

But if we could, what a great system this could be around Devonport.

Walk out on to the roadside and there’s always someone going your way.

Neil Bailey

months. And this, alongside significantly increased levels of dog ownership, means dogs are impacting on bird life like never before.

It is very distressing to see dogs running at resting or feeding birds, barking and chasing them away, with owners either oblivious or enjoying the spectacle.

Cheltenham beach is a necessary and valuable resource for seabirds. It used to attract several groups of oystercatchers, who have now disappeared. Wildlife is under great pressure, and this is their environment too. We need to care for them.

Please, dog owners: respect the leashing requirements and at all times keep your dogs away from the birds.

Judith Ashton