This $806 mistake could cost you next time you're at the beach—learn what NOT to do!
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For many, a day at the beach with our furry friends can be one of life's simple pleasures. The sun, the sand, and the sea create a perfect backdrop for making memories with our beloved pets.
However, dog owners must stay informed about local regulations to avoid turning a day of fun into a costly affair.
This is a lesson that one resident learned the hard way, resulting in a fine that has left the dog-loving community talking.
Gold Coast dog owner John's routine of taking his pet poodle, Emma, for a kayak ride at Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise has been a staple of their lives for over a decade.
However, a recent outing ended with a shock when John was fined for having Emma unrestrained during their short walk from his van to the water's edge.
The $806 fine wasn't for the kayaking itself but for the brief moment when Emma was off-leash on the beach.
This hefty fine is part of a statewide crackdown in Queensland, where authorities are taking a firmer stance on dog control in public spaces.
The crackdown follows a rise in serious dog attacks, prompting the government to more than double on-the-spot fines from $322 to $806.
The message is clear: dog owners must ensure their pets are under effective control at all times in public areas.
The enforcement of these rules can sometimes feel heavy-handed, as was the case for another Queensland business owner, Robyn, who faced the same fine for having her dog on a lead under her foot rather than in her hand while taking a coffee break outside her store in Moffat Beach on the Sunshine Coast
Similar to Robyn, John was confused about how the council determined he was being irresponsible.
He described the situation as ‘very unfair’, arguing that it involved just a few metres and had never been a problem before.
‘Just before I got to the water, [the council worker] ran up with his partner and said “Hey mate, stop, I wanna talk to you,” and he just swopped in and started asking me questions,’ he recounted.
The council officer reportedly requested his name and address but did not mention anything about a fine.
Therefore, John was taken aback when he received a phone call days later informing him that he was ‘guilty of having a dog off a lead’.
It was at that point that he received an $806 fine for ‘failure to exercise effective control of a non-regulated dog in a public place’.
There are reportedly signs further down the beach indicating that dogs must be leashed at all times. However, during their walk, John insists that Emma is always on a lead.
‘But I wasn't wandering along a footpath or in public areas. I was just travelling a few metres from the car to the water. I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong,’ he explained.
According to the Gold Coast City Council, ‘Officers will provide both an enforcement and educational approach when issuing infringements.’
However, John feels that a warning would have been more appropriate, given his clean history with Emma.
The recent hefty fine imposed on John for having his dog off-lead at the beach has sparked a debate about pet regulations and enforcement.
Many dog owners feel frustrated and unfairly targeted, particularly during a statewide crackdown on leash rules.
This situation has led to a broader discussion about the balance between public safety and pet ownership rights, as more dog lovers voice their concerns about strict regulations, like those seen in a controversial beach ban that has ignited outrage among pet owners.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that many of our members enjoy the companionship of their pets and the joy of outdoor activities. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic.
Have you encountered similar regulations in your area? How do you ensure that a day out with your pet remains enjoyable and fine-free? Let's discuss this in the comments below and help each other stay informed and prepared for our next beach adventure with our four-legged friends.
However, dog owners must stay informed about local regulations to avoid turning a day of fun into a costly affair.
This is a lesson that one resident learned the hard way, resulting in a fine that has left the dog-loving community talking.
Gold Coast dog owner John's routine of taking his pet poodle, Emma, for a kayak ride at Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise has been a staple of their lives for over a decade.
However, a recent outing ended with a shock when John was fined for having Emma unrestrained during their short walk from his van to the water's edge.
The $806 fine wasn't for the kayaking itself but for the brief moment when Emma was off-leash on the beach.
A Gold Coast dog owner was fined $806 for walking his dog off-lead for 10 metres to the beach, despite doing so without incident for 11 years. Credit: YouTube / 9 News Australia
This hefty fine is part of a statewide crackdown in Queensland, where authorities are taking a firmer stance on dog control in public spaces.
The crackdown follows a rise in serious dog attacks, prompting the government to more than double on-the-spot fines from $322 to $806.
The message is clear: dog owners must ensure their pets are under effective control at all times in public areas.
The enforcement of these rules can sometimes feel heavy-handed, as was the case for another Queensland business owner, Robyn, who faced the same fine for having her dog on a lead under her foot rather than in her hand while taking a coffee break outside her store in Moffat Beach on the Sunshine Coast
Similar to Robyn, John was confused about how the council determined he was being irresponsible.
He described the situation as ‘very unfair’, arguing that it involved just a few metres and had never been a problem before.
‘Just before I got to the water, [the council worker] ran up with his partner and said “Hey mate, stop, I wanna talk to you,” and he just swopped in and started asking me questions,’ he recounted.
The council officer reportedly requested his name and address but did not mention anything about a fine.
Therefore, John was taken aback when he received a phone call days later informing him that he was ‘guilty of having a dog off a lead’.
It was at that point that he received an $806 fine for ‘failure to exercise effective control of a non-regulated dog in a public place’.
There are reportedly signs further down the beach indicating that dogs must be leashed at all times. However, during their walk, John insists that Emma is always on a lead.
‘But I wasn't wandering along a footpath or in public areas. I was just travelling a few metres from the car to the water. I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong,’ he explained.
According to the Gold Coast City Council, ‘Officers will provide both an enforcement and educational approach when issuing infringements.’
However, John feels that a warning would have been more appropriate, given his clean history with Emma.
The recent hefty fine imposed on John for having his dog off-lead at the beach has sparked a debate about pet regulations and enforcement.
Many dog owners feel frustrated and unfairly targeted, particularly during a statewide crackdown on leash rules.
This situation has led to a broader discussion about the balance between public safety and pet ownership rights, as more dog lovers voice their concerns about strict regulations, like those seen in a controversial beach ban that has ignited outrage among pet owners.
Have you encountered similar regulations in your area? How do you ensure that a day out with your pet remains enjoyable and fine-free? Let's discuss this in the comments below and help each other stay informed and prepared for our next beach adventure with our four-legged friends.
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