As the sun rises over the pristine shores of Merimbula, a popular beach destination in the Bega Valley Shire, the last thing beachgoers expect to encounter is an 'absolutely disgusting' find. Yet, this is exactly what has prompted the local council to issue a stern warning to pet owners: clean up after your dogs or face a hefty $275 fine.

The Bega Valley Shire Council has been left with no choice but to take action after discovering numerous steaming piles of dog waste scattered within a mere 50-meter stretch along the beach. This unpleasant situation has led to the removal of dog waste dispensers from Ocean Drive, a nearby hotspot where bags are frequently abandoned, endangering the local marine life.

Trudi Badullovich, the ranger services coordinator at Bega Valley council, spoke to Yahoo News Australia, emphasizing the council's proactive approach to this environmental challenge. 'By removing dog waste dispensers, we aim to encourage pet owners to take greater responsibility for proper waste disposal,' Badullovich explained.

NSW Council was fed up with locals leavings bags of dog poo on a beach. Credit: Bega Valley Shire Council / Facebook

The environmental impact of dog waste is significant, especially when left on the beach in degradable bags. While dog poo alone may have a smaller footprint, the combination with bags that fail to decompose quickly poses a real threat to the environment. To combat this, the council is not only urging residents to use their own bags but also to ensure they dispose of them in landfill bins.

Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a $500 littering fine, a steep increase from the initial $275 penalty for not picking up after one's pet. The council is determined to enforce these rules, with increased foot patrols planned to educate owners and take necessary enforcement action.

The issue of dumped dog poo bags is not unique to the Bega Valley Shire; it's a growing problem across several Australian states. Reports of discarded bags have surged in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria, with Victoria alone recording 100 reports this year. A spokesperson for Send Snap Solve, an incident reporting platform, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, 'These bags are NOT compostable, and will be in the dunes for a long time.'

The community's reaction to the council's decision has been mixed. While many agree that the littering of dog waste is 'appalling' and 'inexcusable,' some locals fear that removing the dispensers might exacerbate the problem. 'This mess is inexcusable, but sometimes people genuinely forget to bring a bag,' one resident pointed out.

In response to the growing concern, the Bega Valley Shire Council took to Facebook with a plea to pet owners: 'With summer around the corner, let’s work together to keep Merimbula beautiful for all.'

As we enjoy the beauty of Australia's beaches, it's crucial to remember the role we all play in preserving these natural treasures. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, the responsibility to keep our beaches clean and safe for everyone, including the diverse marine life, rests on our shoulders.

So, the next time you're out with your furry friend, remember to bring a bag and dispose of it properly. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also be avoiding a costly fine that could put a damper on your beach day.

Key Takeaways

• Bega Valley Shire Council has taken action to combat the environmental impact of dog waste on beaches by removing waste dispensers from certain areas.
• Pet owners will be held responsible for the proper disposal of dog faeces, with fines imposed for non-compliance, including a $275 fine for not taking faeces with them or a $500 littering fine for improperly disposed bags.
• The Council is increasing foot patrols to both educate and enforce proper disposal of dog waste, urging residents to use their own bags and dispose of them correctly.
• There has been an increase in reports of dumped dog poo bags across several Australian states, prompting the council to make a public plea for cooperation in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of local beaches.

We at the Seniors Discount Club encourage our members to lead by example and spread the word about responsible pet ownership. Have you encountered similar issues on your local beaches? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let's work together to keep our beaches pristine for generations to come.

 

[Pommyoz]

Install plenty of Putin bins : Poo tin bins

 

[waggadragon]

People are dirty stinking grubs

 

[Rockyd]

Are there no bins around for poo bags to be put in. If no bins around the dog poo will get buried in the sand. Yes people should be supplying there own bags. A big fine for those people that don't is a must.

 

[Tigers]

it is NOT TOO HARD dog owners, to PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG, and TAKE THE DOGGY CRAP WITH YOU TO THE NEAREST BN . it is also INCUMBANT ON THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE doggy bag dispencers & PROVIDE BINS, WITHIN EASY REACH. alltho SOME COUNCILS ARE JUST BONE LAZY, & EXPECT TO ALLWAYS BE REALLECTED.

 

[magpie1]

That's enough to put you off from Sunbaking on the beach with the kids....PLEASE DISPOSE OF YOUR DOG'S POO ON THE BEACH YOU LAZY BUGGERS.!!

 

[Luckyus]

People are dirty stinking grubs

I don't know, which is worse the dogs or their lazy bastard owners.

 

[Yani]

The major problem is that self-regulation to clean up after your pet does not and will never work. Many pet owners also lack taking responsibility for their pet's poo. What about a minimum fine of $1000 for Poo dumping. There also needs to be a commitment from local councils to increase patrols of inspectors to issue fines. This would make a huge difference to dumped poo. Where I live the local council puts up many signs of the regulations etc, but I have never seen any council inspectors patrolling the area. However, I see many dumped poo bags, dogs off-leash and dogs in restricted areas. Despite phone calls etc. The situation stays the same. As said before self-regulation does not work. I'm sick and tired of this issue when I try to have de-stress walk along the beach.

 

[Charlotte59]

Having lived in the Bega Valley Shire area, i:e; Tathra and Bega, i was a frequent visitor to Merimbula and the beaches on the coast of the shire, they were the most pristine beaches that i had ever had the pleasure to visit and i think it's sad that people are so lazy and complacent in not picking up after their dogs. It's not only detrimental to animal life but also discourages people from enjoying these beautiful beaches.

 

[sweetbabe37ro]

i just don't understand these types of pet owners, your responsible for what your dog does,its as simple as that, its just pure bloody laziness and I'll bet you wouldn't want somebody else's dog doing it on your front step, so don't do it the sea lifes front yard

 

[Kevin. A.]

Any responsible pet owner cleans up after their pet. Notice I said, "Responsible pet owners". discarding plastic bags full of any waste onto a beach is an environmental hazard for the wildlife that call the beaches home. It boils down to laziness. These people cannot be bothered to remove their waste from a public facility. The council should double the fine for a second and triple for third infringement. These people will inevitably get the message. Disgusting, no sympathy.

 

[Mr Ch]

Does council provide receptacles for disposing of these bags? If not, why not? How are people supposed to dispose of waste if there is no appropriate manner for them to do so?

I also note that many councils fail to provide streetside bins for the disposal of waste, in particular in proximity to food outlets, and/or public transport stops. Why? Not everybody can carry waste in their pockets or handbags. But councils never seem to realise this fact.

EDIT: ns I thought councils were there to "serve" the public. Unfortunately, however, it would seem not, and that he public are there to serve the councils instead. Silly me...