I've lived in my neighbourhood for 3 years now. My humans have been here much longer than that.
They tell me that, a long time ago, they used to visit the area every weekend and liked it a lot because of all the little beaches and parks where they could see dogs running around and playing. There were dogs sitting at cafes! There were water bowls outside shops and pubs! And us dogs were even allowed into a few!
So really, they moved here so Mr Piglet and Mr Thumper would have lots of friends and places to explore.
But all that's changed over the years.
Now, there are some humans who don't want to share the parks with us dogs any more. If you remember, one tried to kill us. And others are telling The People In Charge of These Things that we don't need to have so much space and time to run around and play.
I don't know why no one ever taught these humans it's good manners to share.
"If you break up the big piece, we can each have a little. Wouldn't that be nice?"
My Typist sent a letter to The People In Charge Of These Things for me. I hope lots of other humans did it for their dogs too because it would be too sad otherwise.
Deadline for writing to Leichhardt Council with your views on our local off-leash parks
FRIDAY 25 May, 5pm.
ADDRESS: Recreation@lmc.nsw.gov.au
Every letter counts! Thank you for your support. With love and respect always, The Typist x
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43 comments:
Over here.. we are not allowed in most parks. We are not allowed to go off leash. We are never allowed in restaurants and pubs. And not even banks. We are not even given water bowls anywhere.
We are however allowed at gated homes.. that's where Mr. P stays.. and i can run off leash there... sometimes :)
Because of a few idiots.. they take away your parks and your perks? That's not very nice of them Georgia. People should learn to share.
I hope they get lots of letters telling them to keep the park friendly for dogs! Good luck, Georgia!
Bunny
This sort of thing happens in so many places because of selfish humans and irresponsible humans who don't help their dogs learn to be good citizens. And new people who move in and then try to change everything. Fight!! for doggie rights!
Jan - you have it spot on. It's exactly a combination of those factors. Let's hope kindness, tolerance and rational minds prevail.
I'm on it Typist and Ms Pea. My letter is on its way. I could well be a visitor with dogs who stays in the area regularly right?
It's becoming the same all over Oz too. Even here in laid back Nth Qld.
It's sad and unnecessary. As usual the few seem to spoil it for everyone.
Keep your muzzle up Ms Pea.
Oh Rose! You're a champion. Thank you:) x
Wells nows dis is an absolute outrage!!!! Of course, I can't say nuttin' cuz we ain't allowed in most places around heres eithers...or maybe it's just me.
Howevers, I was raised to shares so why can't da hoomans. Theres they go thinkin' again...they really shouldn't do dat.
Lemme knows if you wanna protest, I be a very good protester.
Puddles
Now you just made me laugh about A Very Seious Situation! Thanks for that Puddles :) x
Too bad that some humans don't want to share the parks with you and your friends! I hope they change their minds...
Love your new header!
That really sucks...I Hope it all gets worked out. Dogs need parks too!
Some humans are just so uptight. Every place should be open and friendly to paws and cool fresh noses. Good luck with your campaign Georgia--I salute your activism.
I hope you get lots of people to write letters, there aren't any places like that around here, it would be great if we had some of those parks.
Deccy x
That is so sad...don't they know how much dogs make the world better?? They need to learn to share!!
~Higgins
That's so sad! We lost one of our dog parks here in Halifax a few years ago when people complained no one was cleaning up. We are now also in danger of losing another for more serious political and historical reasons. As much as I understand these reasons, it makes me sad.
I hope your campaign wins and they change their minds!
We're with you, Georgia! Keep us updated.
YES! I support off-leash parks for Georgia, Larry, Ted, Lloyd, Pearl, Darcy, Aggie, Tara, Sammy, Winston, Rocky, Hector and Hector Too, Millie, India, Annie, Trudeau, Paddington, Sparky, Dell, Milo, Atlas, Ranger and The Other Ranger, Ginger, Meg, Nelson, Cooper, Lily, Molly, Scotty, Leopold, Peppa, Karl, Father Jack, Luke, Lizzy, Delle, Kody, Pedro, Baxter, Mana, Tora, Benny, Walter, Pippa Longstocking, Pepper, Belle, Quinoa, Echo, Gracie, Shadow, Corby, Lulu, Banjo, Spike, Belle, Tia, Bruto, Hummer, Merlin, Vegas, Ada, Mozart, Benji, Tyson, Bobby, Callum, Alfie and all the dogs of Balmain and Birchgrove!
About 40% of Australian households own at least one dog and they are the most frequent and peristent park users. They use the parks rain, hail and shine, many times more than once per day. It seems wrong that people who want to have the occasional picnic should be prioritised. I think that councils forget they are providing facilities not to the dogs but their owners, and dog owners have as much right to local facilites as families, football players, netball
The number of off lead parks and the corresponding ease of access for the majority of dog owners in the local area play an important role in dog socialisation. A dog that has daily off lead contact with other dogs and their owners through the critical puppy socialisation period and beyond is much less likely to be dog or human aggressive. Anecdotally, this certainly seems to hold true. I have not yet witnessed a dog attack where blood was drawn in the two and half years I have been frequenting the local parks. While, hearing of more frequent incidents in neighbourhoods without the same ease of access.
In addition, off lead dog parks are more critical in inner city areas because backyards are smaller. A tired dog is a happy dog and more criticall is not a dog who spends all day barking at the neighbours.
We feel that it is a imperative to have 24hr off leash parks here in Balmain, so as to avoid over crowing of the parks with both humans and dogs. Further more we have many visitors and their dogs from all around Sydney coming here to enjoy Balmain with their dogs! Balmain is loved for this unique trait. The more 24hr off leash parks the better, specially during the week when most are at work.
Tara and Sammy xox
Whoever you are, thanks for your insight :)
We live on a 2 and one half acres and Zoie runs and runs!! I feel so sorry for dogs that don't have a place to run--they need to run!! I hope you get enough comments!
Off leash parks, in my opinion, lead to happier dogs and happier communities. For one thing, they enable people to socialize their dogs with other dogs and people - and so the dogs are less likely to see either as threatening and less likely to attack and bite. Unsocialized dogs are more difficult to walk, so often their owners don't exercise them which means they are less healthy and less happy. Unhealthy, unhappy, unsocialized dogs end up being dumped, abandoned, passed from home to home, or dropped off at shelters.
Off leash parks can be supported with community programs and dog-related activities to encourage owners to become involved dog-parents, and with appropriate, clearly-posted guidelines to ensure the dogs, their humans, and the surrounding neighbourhood all have their rights protected and are safe. Clearly, owners who fail to control their dogs, who fail to pick up the poop, or who create other problems need to be held accountable. But don't let the irresponsible ones determine what happens to the parks.
We have a 65 acre offleash park here in my tiny community of two thousand people. We have other offleash parks in each of the communities nearby. My dogs and I attend regularly, and they are much happier and healthier for it - as am I.
Jean Ballard, Crofton, BC, Canada.
www.mylifewiththecritters.blogspot.com
Dear Ms Jean, please meet me at the airport. I hope Sadie, Petey, Eddie and The Cat won't mind but I've decided to move to Crofton. Thank you. Your friend, Georgia x
YES! YES! YES! I support off-leash parks for Georgia, Larry, Ted, Lloyd, Pearl, Darcy, Aggie, Tara, Sammy, Winston, Rocky, Hector and Hector Too, Millie, India, Annie, Trudeau, Paddington, Sparky, Dell, Milo, Atlas, Ranger and The Other Ranger, Ginger, Meg, Nelson, Cooper, Lily, Molly, Scotty, Leopold, Peppa, Karl, Father Jack, Luke, Lizzy, Delle, Kody, Pedro, Baxter, Mana, Tora, Benny, Walter, Pippa Longstocking, Pepper, Belle, Quinoa, Echo, Gracie, Shadow, Corby, Lulu, Banjo, Spike, Belle, Tia, Bruto, Hummer, Merlin, Vegas, Ada, Mozart, Benji, Tyson, Bobby, Callum, Alfie and all the dogs of Balmain and Birchgrove!
Don't take their dog parks awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
To the powers that be (so to speak):
Sadly, I don't live in Australia, but I do live in a city in the U.S. that has tolerant policies about dogs on leashes in city parks. Yes, the sign says "Dogs must be on a leash" but there is a unwritten respectful compromise. To whit (I love the phrase "To whit"): Our particular city park is an "unofficial" dog park where many of us and our hounds congregate off leash (the dogs, not the owners, although. . . ) in the morning. We know when to unleash. We know when to leash up out of respect to seniors, families with small children and large mowers. We know our dogs' strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and understand our responsibility for sustaining an environment where all are safe and feel comfortable in a municipal park. That being said -- there is something happy and fulfilling for us as dog owners -- and others who are park visitors -- when our particular pooches respectfully intermingle with non-dog owners. There are smiles, a softening of body language and, oftentimes, a wistful "I used to have a dog, too."
I'm (I think) about 7,000 miles -- and about 12 different time zones -- away from this debate but it is still very much in my back yard. Parks are richer, more vibrant places when there are families, children, runners, sports teams -- and dogs, both on and off leash. I hope you consider this policy carefully.
Respectfully,
Mary H in Bermtopia
Dear Georgia, we'd love to have you (okay, the cat isn't thrilled but says she'll accept you as long as you promise not to eat her). And we live right by the beach, too. It's like being on holidays all year long!
I hope the silly people who make rules in your community see the light and recognize the importance of dog parks.
Thank you Queen! It's fantastic to be able to read about off leash experiences in other parts of the world :)
What is it about "The People In Charge Of These Things " that always makes me want to go Grrrrr!!
It's The People In Charge Of These Things that made me decide not to get a townhome. It's The People In Charge Of These Things who have this thing for power (kind of like he who shall not be named) and for some reason they feel the need to tell others how to do things.
I can't write a letter (not being from there), but I do wish you all the luck and success in the world on this one! Down with The People In Charge Of These Things!
Thank you Georgia for speaking up on behalf of all us dogs!
My mummy and daddy moved here to Balmain just so I would have a wonderful place to grow up. They said that where they used to live did not have so many puppies and people were not so friendly and neighbourly. Every morning I play with my many friends in the Mort Bay "mosh pit" and it is the most wonderful start to the day. Mum and Dad natter away to all the other mums and dads too and seem to have a great time too. It would be so sad for everyone if they made us go on leash.
Leichhardt council friends - please keep Mort Bay Park just the way it is and it would be awfully wonderful if you could let us go off-leash in Ballast Point as well. We are very friendly and well behaved dogs (otherwise our mums/dads would put us on the leash anyway) - we want everyone to like us. Please help us further build on this wonderful friendly neighbourhood!
Thank you for listening -
Mozart the not-so-mini schnauzer
We live in Darwin and I realise from reading these comments that we're actually very, very lucky. We have off-leash beach areas (obviously dogs have to be under control) and we have a dog park out at Palmerston. Taking the dog to the dog park is a great experience - the dogs socialise with each other, there is an agility training area, a billabong which doesn't have any crocodiles in it and masses of space to run around. And all of this in a fully fenced, secure and safe environment where they can't run on to the road and cause an accident. Not only are these parks important areas for socialising dogs, but also their rate-paying, tax-paying owners - you'll find all sorts of folk down at the dog park having a chin wag. I have never seen a dog behaving in an aggressive manner there. Having happy, TIRED dogs is essential when we all live packed into our cities like sardines. Dogs which don't get sufficient exercise are more likely to cause a nuisance in their neigbourhood through wandering or barking. The reality is that, like it or not, nearly 40% of households in Australia own a dog (that's a lot of votes) and they will let their dogs off the lead for a good run. Surely it makes sense to have a designated place for people to do that rather than it happening where it isn't supposed to? Come on Coucil, don't alienate 40% of your voters.
Dogs and their owners are part of a rich tapestry of a community too! Leave off-leash dog parks alone and let people get on with their, and their dog's lives, by letting them socialise and enjoy just BEING in the community. What are Council so paranoid about? you want responsible dog ownership? SET AN EXAMPLE by showing that you can live in tandem with animals.Sheesh, we just want a little space!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Thank you for taking the time to support us and for your insightful comments. If you do not have a blogger identity, please remember to include your full name and city/state/country as ANONYMOUS comments and RANTS will probably not be useful and might have to be deleted (like this message) before sending the link on to Council.
I would be most grateful for your cooperation. Hooroo! x
Dear Leichhardt Council:
We are writing to support off-leash parks in your area. We believe that it is very important that you support and encompass a lateral way of living rather than a hierarchical way of living. Off-leash parks support an inclusive approach to pets in your community. We travel frequently with our dachshund Tootsie and have visited countless off-leash parks across the United States, and also in Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. These off-leash parks are community gathering areas and of great benefit to pets and their owners. They show a desire for inclusive community, too, where humans and pets live together and are welcome.
Please keep your parks friendly for dogs and their owners.
We are submitting this comment to the "Little Dogs on Long Leashes" blog and will also send an email note.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Renee E. D'Aoust and Tootsie
bicontinental-dachshund.blogspot.com
www.reneedaoust.com
E-mail: idahobuzzy [at] yahoo [dot] com
Clark Fork, IDAHO, USA
and
Lugano, Switzerland
YES!
I support off-leash parks for Georgia, Larry, Ted, Lloyd, Pearl, Darcy, Aggie, Tara, Sammy, Winston, Rocky, Hector and Hector Too, Millie, India, Annie, Trudeau, Paddington, Sparky, Dell, Milo, Atlas, Ranger and The Other Ranger, Ginger, Meg, Nelson, Cooper, Lily, Molly, Scotty, Leopold, Peppa, Karl, Father Jack, Luke, Lizzy, Delle, Kody, Pedro, Baxter, Mana, Tora, Benny, Walter, Pippa Longstocking, Pepper, Belle, Quinoa, Echo, Gracie, Shadow, Corby, Lulu, Banjo, Spike, Belle, Tia, Bruto, Hummer, Merlin, Vegas, Ada, Mozart, Benji, Tyson, Bobby, Callum, Alfie and all the dogs of Balmain and Birchgrove!
In support,
Tootsie and Renee
Lugano, Switzerland
bicontinental-dachshund.blogspot.com
That was wottten waven, Tootsie and Renee! Thank you :) x
Kelly, Brooks and I join you in fighting for what is right. Dogs are a part of our lives, our families, and as such a part of the community. It is much better for the community in general to have a place for them, to welcome them where appropriate and to provide parks for happy pets and happy pet parents. Would they rather have pet parents who don't care about their dogs, and dogs running around loose and getting into trouble? We need to provide the dogs safe welcome places.
Peggy, Kelly and Brooks
Albany, New York
Dogs need space to run, that's what being a dog is all about. Dog walkers keep parks clean, they pick up ubbish and always clean up after their friends. Dog walkers are kind and friendly people who make an area safer for all concerned, children and old people included.
I really can't see why dogs need to be seen as a menace and a nuisance, they are man's best friend, after all.
Provided I pick up after my dog, I can let him go anywhere, in parks and open spaces, except where other livestock is kept. Dog enclosures in large parks would be a compromise. Come on, city fathers, do something nice for a change.
In my village dogs are allowed in pubs too.
Dear Leichhardt Council:
I am writing to you from New York City, USA! I live a few blocks from Central Park where there are designated off leash times. I have rarely, if ever, seen any misbehavior by canines or humans during off leash hours. In fact, dogs on the same footing (all leashed/all unleashed) react better to each other. I hope you will vote to follow the example of a large and diverse community that takes into account the needs of ALL citizens - both pet owners and non.
Thanks!
Bumper, Ziggy, Sierra, Roxy and Shadow all wish for more off leash parks to play and run. We have a backyard but only pay parks to go to. It's sad our Mom doesn't get out more with humans! People can learn to be responsible for thier dogs and people can learn to approach dogs safely. That's why we got brains!! Good luck on keeping your parks open.
As a non-dog owning, park loving, inner west Sydney dweller, I support off-leash parks for Georgia, Larry, Ted, Lloyd, Pearl, Darcy, Aggie, Tara, Sammy, Winston, Rocky, Hector and Hector Too, Millie, India, Annie, Trudeau, Paddington, Sparky, Dell, Milo, Atlas, Ranger and The Other Ranger, Ginger, Meg, Nelson, Cooper, Lily, Molly, Scotty, Leopold, Peppa, Karl, Father Jack, Luke, Lizzy, Delle, Kody, Pedro, Baxter, Mana, Tora, Benny, Walter, Pippa Longstocking, Pepper, Belle, Quinoa, Echo, Gracie, Shadow, Corby, Lulu, Banjo, Spike, Belle, Tia, Bruto, Hummer, Merlin, Vegas, Ada, Mozart, Benji, Tyson, Bobby, Callum, Alfie and all the dogs of Balmain and Birchgrove!
Well behaved dogs and owners make our parks more enjoyable for all. Good luck Georgia!
Hi everyone my name is Aaron Callaghan. I am the Senior Parks and Open Space Planner at Leichhardt Council who also happens to live locally and also has a two and half year old dog who loves to run free in the off leash parks. Milton and I go for long walks twice a day (starting at 6am before work). Its part of our routine and it’s a great way for us to socialise (with humans and other dogs) and its also our form of recreation, exercise and fun in the outdoors.
I am also responsible for heading the companion animal review which this blog seems to be very misinformed about. The last time (and the first time) this review was done was when the original “on and off leash areas” were established within the Leichhardt area. This was back in 2005 and it is timiely that such a review is undertaken as community needs have changed as have some of the parks in terms of development and use. Council has no plans to reduce any off leash areas. The review is aimed at assessing current provision, restrictions and signage as well as recommending to Council where possible changes to make on and off leash areas clearer to the public who use such spaces. This would benefit both dog and non dog owners.
Parks and opens spaces are there to share for all and Council recognises the benefits of companion animal ownership and the role that local parks and opens spaces provide for companion animal recreation, socialisation and interaction with humans. However there must also be balance between different park uses and the provision of spaces for other activities which do not necessarily include dogs ie children’s playgrounds and sporting activities. I would encourage anyone in the Leichhardt or Sydney area who wants clarity on this issue to phone me on 93679270 during normal business hours.
Dear Aaron Callaghan,
THANK YOU for writing to let us know the situation! I have been at your Council website and saw the 2005 Plan and realised that was probably why it was up for review.
I could not however find any other updates or information on the progress of the current review and would be grateful if you would post a link here for us.
As you might know, being a local and a dogowner yourself, there are many of us who are concerned. Any news that I have personally heard regarding changes seem to imply that off-leash times and zones will be reduced so it's good news that you're saying this will not be so. There's nothing so awful as lack of or mis-information and I'm very happy to be corrected!
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write us.
Regards, The Typist x
Bravo to all who took the time to write a letter on this very important quality of life issue. Jean comment said it all! (And it sounds like she lives in paradise.)
When I moved to Culver City, an area on the west side of Los Angeles, about five miles from the coast I was appalled to learn that dogs were not allowed in parks - by Culver City law - at all. I've lived in tiny beach towns and major metropolises and I had never ever heard of such a thing. It immediately changed my entire opinion of that part of the city and if I had known I never would have moved there. Sure, there is a great fenced off-leash dog park in Culver City but to know that my dog was welcome there and only there was a most unwelcome feeling.
Really hope this turns out for the best for your neighborhood!
-c at ddy.
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