See the controversial playground rule that's catching pet owners off guard!
- Replies 8
Dogs are more than just pets; they're loyal companions that bring joy to many, especially those in their golden years.
They cherish their daily walks, often heading with their owners to the local park to enjoy the fresh air and frolic in the wide, open space.
However, a new rule in one area has left many dog owners barking mad—and it could see you copping a hefty fine if you're not careful.
The Frankston City Council in Melbourne has implemented a regulation prohibiting dogs from being within 10 meters of any public children's playground.
This rule, introduced in 2022, has now moved from an educational phase to strict enforcement, with fines of $200 being issued to those who don't comply.
The council's decision to ramp up patrols and encourage the public to report non-compliance has sparked a significant divide among residents. New signage has been erected in parks to remind everyone of the new restrictions, but not all are happy about it.
Frankston independent councillor Kris Bolam has been vocal on social media, emphasising that the rule is about protecting children, not about revenue-raising or creating a 'nanny state.'
Hedefended his stance by citing an instance wherein, ‘One of these residents had the horrible experience of witnessing her granddaughter being attacked by an off-leash dog.’
He then further clarified, ' While the little girl thankfully escaped only with a few scratches, the experience had a profound impact on the resident.’
He punctuated his point by stating, ‘Of all places, we expect children to be the safest at our public playgrounds.’
A heated debate has sparked in the comment section of the councillor’s post.
Some community members have expressed outrage, feeling that responsible dog owners are being unfairly penalised.
One resident commented, ‘This is a disgrace that families can no longer take their dogs for a walk to the park with their kids. Too many s****d unlawful rules you and other councillors are making.’
Another added, ‘Well there goes family walks to the park with your dog. Most people do the right thing and once again a minority or irresponsible dog owners wreck it for others.’
Other residents have welcomed the change.
They argue that the safety of children should be paramount and that the presence of dogs, especially those off-leash, can threaten the well-being of kids trying to enjoy the playground.
A resident expressed their support for the councillor in the comments, ‘Great work Kris, I think that your council posts are the most important thing that any councillor has done for a long while.’
It's worth noting that Frankston isn't alone in this approach. Other councils across Australia, including North Sydney, Randwick, and the City of Sydney, have similar bans in place, citing the need to protect children from parasites and diseases that can be transmitted through dog litter.
In Sydney, the fine for having your dog in a playground can be as high as $330.
The debate over this rule raises broader questions about the balance between pet ownership and community safety.
It's a reminder that as dog owners, we must be aware of and respect the regulations set by our local councils, even if we don't necessarily agree with them.
Looking for tips on how to become more responsible as a dog owner? Check out our tips for becoming a more responsible pet owner this summer!
Have you been affected by the new dog ban near playgrounds? Do you think these rules are fair, or do they go too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
They cherish their daily walks, often heading with their owners to the local park to enjoy the fresh air and frolic in the wide, open space.
However, a new rule in one area has left many dog owners barking mad—and it could see you copping a hefty fine if you're not careful.
The Frankston City Council in Melbourne has implemented a regulation prohibiting dogs from being within 10 meters of any public children's playground.
This rule, introduced in 2022, has now moved from an educational phase to strict enforcement, with fines of $200 being issued to those who don't comply.
The council's decision to ramp up patrols and encourage the public to report non-compliance has sparked a significant divide among residents. New signage has been erected in parks to remind everyone of the new restrictions, but not all are happy about it.
Dogs are being banned in an increasing number of playgrounds. Image Source: Facebook / Kris Bolam JP
Frankston independent councillor Kris Bolam has been vocal on social media, emphasising that the rule is about protecting children, not about revenue-raising or creating a 'nanny state.'
Hedefended his stance by citing an instance wherein, ‘One of these residents had the horrible experience of witnessing her granddaughter being attacked by an off-leash dog.’
He then further clarified, ' While the little girl thankfully escaped only with a few scratches, the experience had a profound impact on the resident.’
He punctuated his point by stating, ‘Of all places, we expect children to be the safest at our public playgrounds.’
A heated debate has sparked in the comment section of the councillor’s post.
Some community members have expressed outrage, feeling that responsible dog owners are being unfairly penalised.
One resident commented, ‘This is a disgrace that families can no longer take their dogs for a walk to the park with their kids. Too many s****d unlawful rules you and other councillors are making.’
Another added, ‘Well there goes family walks to the park with your dog. Most people do the right thing and once again a minority or irresponsible dog owners wreck it for others.’
Other residents have welcomed the change.
They argue that the safety of children should be paramount and that the presence of dogs, especially those off-leash, can threaten the well-being of kids trying to enjoy the playground.
A resident expressed their support for the councillor in the comments, ‘Great work Kris, I think that your council posts are the most important thing that any councillor has done for a long while.’
Annually, an average of 2061 hospital admissions in Australia are attributed to dog attacks. Image Source: Pexels / Guisell Bar
It's worth noting that Frankston isn't alone in this approach. Other councils across Australia, including North Sydney, Randwick, and the City of Sydney, have similar bans in place, citing the need to protect children from parasites and diseases that can be transmitted through dog litter.
In Sydney, the fine for having your dog in a playground can be as high as $330.
It's a reminder that as dog owners, we must be aware of and respect the regulations set by our local councils, even if we don't necessarily agree with them.
Looking for tips on how to become more responsible as a dog owner? Check out our tips for becoming a more responsible pet owner this summer!
Have you been affected by the new dog ban near playgrounds? Do you think these rules are fair, or do they go too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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