RUFF ON BEACHES
THE Gold Coast’s overcrowded off-leash dog beaches are “revolting” with beachgoers forced to use towels to cover their noses from animal faeces and on constant alert for fear of being attacked.
Residents and tourists in more than 50 public submissions to the Gold Coast City Council on animal control areas have raised serious health and safety concerns.
MEET Frankie.
The bull terrier spends his days relaxing in a hammock at the Henchman Cafe, eats rib fillet steak and sleeps in his owner’s bed at night.
He might seem a little spoiled but his luxurious lifestyle is actually the norm for many canines, according to a new study.
The Elanco Aussie Dog Survey found 42 per cent of owners celebrate their dog’s birthday, one in three cook their dog its own meal and more than a quarter of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed.
Gold Coast vet Dr John Rigley from The Point Veterinarian said there was a possibility of a person catching a parasite such as tapeworms from their dog, which could lead to death in rare cases.
He said getting your pet treated for worms every three months and focusing on personal hygiene including washing hands after dealing with a dog and picking up poo are the best prevention.
“Most commonly a parasite shows up as a red line across skin,” Dr John said.
“In the case of a human becoming infected, it’s generally from poor hygiene.
“It’s important to wash hands after dealing with a dog and picking up dog poo.”
Frankie’s owner Jared Fairall doesn’t mind taking a bit of a risk when it comes to making his one-and-a-halfyear-old pup happy.
“Any sickness you could get from a dog are far outweighed by the benefit to mental health you get by having a dog,” Mr Fairall said.
“Having dogs has taught me to be responsible and care for something other than myself.”
Mr Fairall, who is the owner of Henchman Cafe in Miami, opened the dogfriendly cafe after he had trouble finding places for adventures with his own furry pal. Mr Fairall has two other dogs – one of which is Frankie’s girlfriend. The trio can often be found lounging around at the business and entertaining customers.
“I have a $5k couch which only my dogs sit on,” he said.
“I almost prefer dogs over people.”
The survey also found 36 per cent of owners let their dog lick their face and 31 per cent of were not picking up after their dog poos in public.