Hounded by blight of unleashed dogs
SOMEONE please explain to me and countless others how the Townsville City Council can justify $ 103 for dog registration, up from $ 74.
We have our dog padlocked in our backyard so the old “somebody must have opened the gate” cliche can’t be used.
In recent weeks, our dog, running with my husband ( dog on leash) has been attacked two times ( yes, been reported).
In the course of two days has seen a further seven dogs roaming freely without leads.
This is all taking place around the Ross River Riverway circuit.
Worried for their safety, my husband changed to running along The Strand, a further 24km out of his way.
Then, just the other day, running late he decided to give Riverway another go. Not even one minute out running and there’s a dog roaming freely.
He almost gave up to come home, but saw people he knew and had a quick chat to them.
Then two people who had walked across Black Weir Bridge and coming up the path had their dog off its lead. With that he turned, ready to come home, but saw another friend, and thought, walk with him, it might be a bit safer.
They shouldn’t feel unsafe to go around the river, because other people can’t be responsible dog owners.
There are leash- off areas in Townsville, so please take your dogs there.
So, again, he will be driving 24km out of his way to The Strand to try to stay safe.
When we bought our dog he came with a code of ethics that you must abide by. I think all breeds should have this.
The women at the animal complaints department have tried to follow up with patrols, but they can only do so much.
They need to be more proactive, put up signs stating it’s illegal to have your dog off its leash and fines apply.
I’m not asking these dog owners to do anything other than the right thing.
When I questioned the price hike I was told, “well, it encourages owners to have their dogs desexed”.
No, I am sorry, but all does is encourage people not register their dogs.
I wish people in Townsville would do the right thing, be responsible with their dogs, and make it safe for everybody.
Remember, I don’t know your dog, you don’t know my dog, and people need to report attacks and dogs off leads.
It’s the only way the council can act, and hopefully make Townsville a safe place to walk/ run your dog. SHARON BAIRD,
Cranbrook. it to