Qualified Veterinarians Dr Scott Linnane and Dr Jo Stumm will be conducting workshops explaining how you can apply First Aid to sick and injured dogs.

Workshop Outline: The workshop will look at the signs and symptoms of the most common issues vets see with dogs and what to do in each situation such as:

Handling an emergencyCPRHandling distressed animalsBroken BonesSnake bitesPoisoningSigns of shock and assessing the patientTick, Fleas and wormsControl of bleedingBurns and smoke inhalationWhat to do if your dog is hit by a CarHeat stressFight wounds and what to do when dogs are fightingHypothermiaHow to take your dog’s heart rate, respiration rate

Resources: All participants will be provided with workshop notes and a certificate of attendance.

Cost

Cost: $65 per person. Sorry, no concessions available. Visit www.facebook.com/dogfirstaidtas for event details and to purchase tickets.

To enable effective attendee participation there is a maximum of 18 participants per workshop. Future workshops will be scheduled to meet demand.

For further information, email dogfirstaidtas@gmail.com

Workshop dates

Workshop 1: 17 March 2019 9am - 1pm

Workshop 2: 1 April 2019 5:30pm - 9:30pm

Venue

The Pat Murnane Memorial Hall - 188 Lenah Valley Road, Lenah Valley, Hobart (top side of the Lenah Valley RSL Car Park)

South Hobart dog owners are advised to write to the Hobart City Council Dog Management Review and "call out" negative remarks.

The president of the South Hobart Football Club, Victoria Morton, has called for dogs to be banned at all sports grounds in South Hobart because the club "is sick of picking up dog poo left on ovals" and "female dogs are urinating at South Hobart Oval and Wellesley Park and destroying grass on both ovals". (Source: "Sport club seeks ban, alleging owners fail to clean up: Dog walk row gets messy", The Mercury 7 January 2019.)

Picking up after others

Many South Hobart dog owners pick up and remove their dogs' droppings from South Hobart Oval and Wellesley Park.

Dog walkers also pick up rubbish left by the soccer players, such as tape, drink bottles, food containers and medical waste. Some South Hobart dog owners are also long-term volunteers with the Wellesley Park Bushcare Program and have given years of free time caring for the park. South Hobart people care about the community and parks.

Wallaby droppings can be found at Wellesley Park as the park opens onto bushland. Wallabies graze in Wellesley Park, as do rabbits.

Pickets?

Soccer writer Walter Pless has also made "interesting" statements about South Hobart dog owners in his blog entitled "It's time the tail stopped wagging the dog", published 7 January 2019.

"I am told that the local dog walking group has threatened to picket South Hobart home games if dogs are banned from being walked on the pitch. If that is true, it smacks of arrogance and is a selfish threat. It also sounds very much like bullying," Mr Pless wrote.

We don't know where Mr Pless gets his information, or which local dog walking group he is referring to.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc (HDWA) is unaware of any plans for dog owners to picket soccer matches.

Power and influence

Mr Pless suggested "Perhaps it’s time for South Hobart FC to harness the power and influence of its many sponsors and notable supporters, including politicians, members of the professions and business people, as well as the many parents whose kids belong to Morton’s Soccer School, and bring their reasonable views to the attention of the council."

What is concerning is Mr Pless went on to write this divisive comment: "Many of these people are probably dog owners, too, so they'll have to decide on which side of the fence they stand on this issue" and "It's time to bring in the heavy guns"

Community members shouldn't have to choose sides

Why should South Hobart soccer players who own a dog have to choose sides? Community is important in South Hobart and the residents value sharing public spaces and places. Dog owners don't mind sharing public parks with others, or the current time share arrangements.

Members of the South Hobart Football Club, who live locally exercise their dogs on South Hobart Oval and Wellesley Park because without these sports fields there are few options for dog exercise in South Hobart:

The off-lead area at the lower section of Wellesley Park is small and limited due to the play equipment and exclusion zone. It is also rabbit infested.The off-lead section of the Hobart Rivulet Track is also very small area.

South Hobart is a large suburb (from Antill Street to Fern Tree) . The Cascades has no off-lead exercise areas, Fern Tree has no off-lead dog exercise areas and off-lead exercise areas are also limited in the neighbouring suburbs of Dynnyrne and West Hobart.

Hobart City Council is right to encourage sharing limited public spaces

The Hobart City Council is right to allow dogs to be exercised on sports fields when organised competitions are not being held. Without access to these sports fields for dog exercise, many suburbs would have nowhere for dog off-lead exercise.

The Hobart City Council's Dog Management Plan can be viewed on the Council's website in the "Your Say" section.

Submit your feedback by 4 February 2019 via:

· email to coh@hobartcity.com.au

· by mail c/o The General Manager GPO Box 503 Hobart 7

001

· by visiting https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/

Walter Pless' blog may be read in full here.

The Hobart City Council has released the review of its Dog Management Policy for public comment.

This is round two of the Council's dog management review with round one attracting over 170 submissions.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc (HDWA) recommends anyone wishing to have their say do so by 4 February 2019 as:

Even if you wrote to round one of the consultation, if you wish to have input you should write to round two. The second round of consultations may generate new, unexpected feedback.

View the online dog management plan

The Hobart City Council emailed the HDWA on Monday 7 January 2019 to advise there were errors in their advertisement placed in The Mercury on 5 January 2019. A corrected version of this advertisement will appear in The Mercury on 13 January 2019.

The documents on Council’s website and Your Say were updated on 7 January 2019 and contain the correct information. Please refer to the documents now available which can be downloaded from the Council's website or by calling 6238 2182 or visiting the Hobart Council Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.

Submit your feedback by 4 February 2019 via:

· email to coh@hobartcity.com.au

· by mail c/o The General Manager GPO Box 503 Hobart 7001

· by visiting https://yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/

A further report will be prepared for consideration by the Council following consultation of the draft policy and proposed declared areas.

Initial thoughts

The City of Hobart draft dog management policy is fine but could do with some amendments.

After an initial glance, the Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc has noted:

Restricted areas - parks and beaches

The HDWA recommends off-lead times for dogs in restricted parks and beaches (ie Nutgrove) start at 6pm during daylight saving, instead of 7pm. We appreciate being able to walk dogs on-lead in many of Hobart's parks and on Nutgrove Beach on-lead during the day.

Sportsgrounds

We support the Hobart City Council decision for allowing dogs to be exercised on sports fields when organised sport or activities are not being undertaken. This shared arrangement is needed in the City of Hobart where:

Public land is very limited and needs to be shared by the communitySome suburbs would have nowhere for dog off-leash exercise if it wasn't for shared arrangement on sports fields.

We recommend dog owners thank and acknowledge the Council for access to sports fields, particularly as the South Hobart Football Club is lobbying to ban dogs from South Hobart Recreation Ground (Oval) and Wellesley Park.

Girrabong Play Area, Lenah Valley

Girrabong Play Area made the news in 2018 with human poo placed in the park to try and deterdog owners.

We are awaiting advice from local dog owners about their thoughts about dogs not permitted between 7pm and 9am. Dogs are permitted off-lead in this park from 9am -7pm. The HDWA can't see why the dog off-lead times cannot be extended in this park. Lenah Valley has a number of other nearby play areas for people.

Soldiers Memorial Community Hub

The Soldiers Memorial Community Hub needs to be clarified as to where it is, and what it is. The Council is redeveloping a section of the Domain near Soldiers Memorial/Cross Roads Oval. There is no reason why this should be banned to dogs. This area could be on-lead.

Queenborough Oval and surrounds?

Clarification is required about dogs prohibited from Queenborough Oval and surrounds:

Dogs have always been banned from the main Queenborough Oval but have been permitted on Lower Queenborough Oval when sport is not being played.Is Lower Queenborough is included in dogs being permitted on sports fields when organised sport is not being played? Or is Lower Queenborough "the surrounds of Queenborough Oval"? This is causing confusion among respondents on the Council's "Your Say".

Pipeline Track

Comments on the Council's Your Say about the dog management plan indicate clarification is required about the Pipeline Track.

How to have your say

Visit the Hobart City Council's Your say

Write to the Hobart City Council by 4 February 2019.

Town Hall, Macquarie Street GPO Box 503 Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 Australia

Email: coh@hobartcity.com.au

The Hobart Dog Walking Association welcomes new members and feedback about dog management policies in Hobart, Clarence and Glenorchy.

Taroona Beach east of the boat ramp is a declared off-lead dog exercise area as of Friday 30 November 2018. The boat ramp, car park and foreshore trail are on-lead, and elsewhere is restricted (no dogs!) Read all about it here.

A number of Kingborough Councillors who voted in September to approve off-lead access to Taroona Beach (east) may backflip and vote to restrict dogs from this beach altogether at a Council meeting on Monday night (26th November) at 5.30pm.

If you want to register your concern at such a backflip, please email individual councillors prior to Monday's meeting. Visit KDWA's main page for the email ink and further details.

Veterinarian, Scott Linnane, Hobart Community Veterinary Hospital, will be available for questions about your beloved animals.

Monday 19 November – 10.30 am – 12 pm in the downstairs room at the Mount Stuart Memorial Hall, Mt Stuart.

Come along for this free talk, meet other animal lovers and share a cup of tea.

This event has been organised by Megan, a Hobart Dog Walking Association member, who is conducting talks and workshops and morning tea to get neighbours connected.

An incorporated dog walking association has been established in the Derwent Valley to organise social walks and lobby for the interests of dog owners. A dog walking association is needed in the Derwent Valley. Off-lead dog exercise was banned at Tynwald Park. Dogs, New Norfolk, are dogs now restricted to being on-lead on the path in the Tynwald Park, following the Derwent Valley Council’s review of their dog management plan. The photo shows dogs walking on the Derwent River Track where dogs may be off-lead.

Information about dog walking in the Derwent Valley will be published on this website.

Photo: Dog owners protested against a Clarence City Council proposal to ban dogs from Bellerive Beach in 2007. Dogs have since been banned from this section of Bellerive Beach. Trying to stop bans has involved a lot of lobbying by the Hobart Dog Walking Association and dog owners.

Story

Recent media reports about the Clarence City Council By-Law banning public gatherings are concerning.

Would the new Public Places By-Law stop such rallies by dog walkers?

In 2007, the Hobart Dog Walking Association (HDWA) organised a rally on Bellerive Beach (pictured) against the Council’s proposal for a total dog ban on Bellerive Beach.

The Director of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Peter McGlone, recently wrote that the Council’s General Manager, Andrew Paul asked councillors to vote on a new By-Law that grants him extraordinary powers to suppress free speech, rights of assembly and civil liberties.

Concerns include:

Section 38(b) of the By-Law makes it an offence for a person in a public place to ‘organise or participate in an assembly, rally, public speaking or similar activity’. Section 33 (c) deals with an offence relating to giving out pamphlets etc in a public place. There is no provision for a permit for a community group to display signs or distribute pamphlets.

If the By-Law means people cannot assemble or distribute pamphlets, it is vital dog owners join a group like the HDWA, form a Clarence Dog Walking Association, or be active in Facebook groups in order to disseminate information, and keep informed.

The ABC reported on 20 September 2018 that Peter Edwards, of the Rosny Hill Friends Network described the by-law around public assembly as "over the top".

"They are trying to crack down on protests, because there have been four or five major rallies on the Eastern Shore recently," Mr Edwards told the ABC.

The Clarence City Council will review its dog management policy after the Council elections. Councils are required under the Dog Act to review their dog management plans every five years.

Dogs are now banned from the section of Bellerive Beach where the rally was held in 2007. In 2008, the Council made the section of Bellerive Beach from First Bluff to parallel with the toilet block on-lead only. Five years later dogs were banned from the section of Bellerive Beach from First Bluff to the Beach Street Access.

Under the Dog Act, Councils are required to review Dog Management Plans every five years.

For more information visit the ABC website

Things are going well with Glenorchy City Council.

Glenorchy Alderman Bec Thomas recently met members of the Hobart Dog Walking Association committee at Chapel Street Reserve, Glenorchy.

Alderman Thomas has informed the HDWA that the Glenorchy City Council is planning to proceed with fencing the perimeter of the reserve and installing extra bins and bags and a water bubbler to make basic improvements to the existing use of the area.

The Council will write to neighbouring residents to inform them of their intentions. Once usage of the park increases, the Council will consult on any further improvements that might be required or desired.

The GCC noted the HDWA point about an audit and strategic planning of dog walking sites in the municipality and Alderman Thomas will raise this with the Healthy Communities Committee when it comes to planning and prioritising activities in early 2019.

Tasmania Police has reminded dog owners of Section 16 of the Dog Control Act which indicates that an owner or person in charge of a dog must restrict the dog sufficiently while it is in or on a vehicle so that it cannot leave the vehicle or attack any person/animal outside the vehicle.

This section refers only to dogs and does not describe or suggest how a dog must be restricted or restrained. An example would be a dog travelling in the rear of a utility appropriately restrained with a lead or a dog restricted to the caged area of a SUV hatch.

Although the Dog Control Act 2000 was amended in December 2017 to allow greyhounds to be unmuzzled while being walked in public, Clarence City Council’s Dog News September 2018, advised that until the Greyhound Un-muzzling Program is finalised “all greyhounds must still be muzzled when away from the property where they normally reside”.

Greyhounds cannot be exercised off-lead in public off-lead areas.

Non-compliance can result in fines.

People walking unmuzzled on-lead greyhounds in Hobart and Clarence have been receiving warnings from Councils.

For further information visit: www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/racing/un-muzzling-information

On Monday 26th November Kingborough Council will decide (yet again!) on the fate of the eastern end of Taroona Beach as an off-lead dog exercise area. The zone would be from the boat ramp to Batchelor's Grave.

Until then, we ask that walkers stay off the beach with their dogs. The current legal status of the beach is unclear and, in those circumstances, it is best to avoid conflict until the matter is settled. As we have waited for some time, another call for patience in the short term is certainly reasonable for the long term gain.

Please share this request with your dog-walking neighbours and friends. Also, please consider attending the Kingborough Council meeting at 5.30pm on the 26th to support our case. We are hoping the new council will honour the old council's vote of 7 out of 8 in the affirmative (September) for access for dogs on Taroona Beach (east).

Thank you for your support and understanding.

G E Clark

President

KDWA

Kingborough Council recently passed an updated Dog Management Policy including an amendment allowing dogs off-lead access to the eastern end of Taroona Beach for the very first time.

Your support is needed by 2 November to ensure the new policy becomes law. Details here.

The state Dog Control Act 2000 requires Councils to advertise changes to declared areas for dogs, and to call for public submissions over a 15 day period. This is a final administrative step to ensure the legality of the new dog policy.

The Hobart City Council (HCC) has received a number of submissions regarding the future of dogs being allowed to be exercised Council’s sportsgrounds in South Hobart. The HCC currently allows dogs to be exercised on South Hobart Recreation Ground (also known as 'The Rec' and South Hobart Oval) and Wellesley Park when organised sporting competitions are not being played.

The South Hobart Football Club has asked some candidates in the Hobart City Council elections about their stance on dogs on sportsgrounds, in particular Wellesley Park and South Hobart Oval.

According to Alderman Damon Thomas “there is considerable support within Management for a total ban on dog walking in the ground but more is being researched before the matter comes before Council”. (South Hobart Football Club Facebook)

South Hobart has very few off-lead exercise areas for the suburb’s 577 registered dogs. Dog bans at Wellesley Park and South Hobart Oval could also set a precedent for banning dogs from other sportsfields in the Hobart municipality. Sportsfields are often the only off-lead exercise areas in some Hobart suburbs. (ie Mt Nelson; Clare Street Oval, New Town).

What to do

Write to the Hobart City Council and Aldermen and also respond in writing when the HCC’s Hobart Dog Management Strategy review round two is released for public comment. That will be soon.

The Kingborough Dog Walking Association (KDWA) has conducted a survey of all Kingborough Council candidates on their attitudes to issues related to dogs and the community in general. You can find the survey results here.

Tape was tied around the section of Apex Park, Taroona, to illustrate how much of the off-lead dog exercise area will be lost if the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Policy is adopted.

If Kingborough Council's proposal goes ahead, dog walkers will no longer be able to access Apex Park from either the Batchelor Way or Chiton Chase entrances. This means they will have to walk up from the bottom of Taroona Crescent or Niree Parade.

The loss of entrances at Batchelor Way and Chiton Chase will be detrimental to dog walkers with mobility issues. Dog walkers will also lose access to the only seating. This will be unfortunate for dog walkers with mobility issues or anyone who likes to sit down and have a chat while out with their dog.

Some Taroona Crescent properties that back onto Apex Park also won't be able to walk out their back gate and into Apex Park with their dog, if their property backs onto the proposed no dog zone.

The Kingborough Council has provided no explanation as to why Apex Park, Taroona's only off-lead dog exercise area, should be reduced in size.

The nearby play area for children is fully fenced and accessible from Batchelor Way.

The community hall is also entered from Batchelor Way.

The Chiton Chase entrance is near the community garden, which is also fully fenced.

The Kingborough Dog Walking Association encourages Taroona dog owners and anyone who will be affected by the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Policy to write to Kingborough Council about the impacts by 25 June 2018 8:50am.

If you didn't make it to the rally about the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Plan, the speakers who addressed the rally have provided their speech notes.

You might also like to read The Talking Point by Melissa Fraser, president of the Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs, published on Thursday 14 June 2018.

Kingborough Mayor Councillor Steve Wass also addressed the rally. It is recommended visiting the Kingborough Council's Facebook page and website.

The Kingborough Draft Dog Management Review closes 25 June 2018 8:50am.

If you are concerned about the proposed loss of the dog off-lead exercise area at Apex Park, Taroona, and the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Plan, come along and meet members of the Kingborough Dog Walking Association (KDWA) at Apex Park, Taroona, this Sunday 17 June 2018 11am.

Apex Park is the only off-lead dog exercise area in Taroona so plans to reduce the off-lead area are very concerning -- and it's not the only concerning aspect of Kingborough's Draft Dog Management Policy.

This will be a good opportunity to sign the KDWA petition, meet KDWA members and other dog walkers,and share your thoughts.

It is recommended anyone with concerns and ideas about the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Policy write to the Kingborough Council by 25 June 2018 at 8:50am.

Details of the Dog Management Policy may be viewed on the Kingborough Council website.

DO YOU WANT TO SIGN THE KDWA PETITION “DOGS DESERVE A FAIRER POLICY” ?

The online version of the petition is now available on the Kingborough Council’s website.

Here is the link: https://www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/petition/draft-dog-management-policy/

Be accurate in what you enter so that your vote counts.

Do not sign the online petition if you have already signed the paper version - a second vote would not be counted!

Dog owners concerned about -- or wanting to find out more -- about Kingborough Council's Draft Dog Management Plan are encouraged to attend a rally at Kingston Dog Beach on Sunday 10 June 2018 at 11am.

Analysis by the Kingborough Dog Walking Association indicates there is very little to be positive about the Kingborough Draft Dog Management Plan which is very restrictive and proposes limits placed on dog exercise areas and dog walking.

Guest speakers at the rally will include:

Kingborough Mayor Councillor Steve WassMelissa Fraser, President of Tasmanian Dog Walking ClubsTony Walch, founding member of the Kingborough Dog Walking Association, an organisation that has devoted 20 years trying to get a better deal for dog owners and walkers in Kingborough.

Although Kingston Dog Beach is declared off-lead due to the numbers anticipated to attend the rally, it is recommended dogs be on-lead during the rally in order to listen to the speakers.

The rally is a good opportunity to find out more about the Draft Dog Management Plan.

Public comments about Kingborough's Draft Dog Management Plan are due at Kingborough Council by 25 June 2018 9am.

The Kingborough Council has released its Draft Dog Management Policy for public comment until 25 June 2018. Dog walkers are encouraged to write to the Council about dog exercise areas in Kingborough.

The Kingborough Dog Walking Association (KDWA) has provided this analysis of the Kingborough Council Draft Dog Management Policy.

The Positives

Two new off-lead exercise areas: Kettering Reserve and Middleton Beach

The Negatives

Total loss of Tinderbox Hills from July-March; on-lead from April-JuneReduction in size of dog exercise areas at Apex Park, TaroonaRe-classification of Alum Cliffs track and the track behind Tyndall Beach to on-lead only.Ban dogs at all shopping centres and shops. This means you can't walk your dog to the shop to buy a loaf of bread.Ban dogs from within 10 metres of playgrounds. This means you can't take your children and your dog for a walk simultaneously if you're going to stop at a playground.Ban dogs from all sportsgrounds while sport is being played (reasonable); and on-lead at all other times.The process of having a draft policy following community consultation, then throwing that policy out after a secret meeting.

The Neutral

The maintenance of existing off-lead exercise areas at:

Tyndall Beach (aka Kingston Dog Beach)the Kingborough Sports Centre (above the Mountain Bike Park)Dru Point fenced dog park, Margate Clarkes Beach, ConinghamFlowerpot PointSuncoast Dog Park, Blackmans BayDogs are still banned from all other beaches. This results in Tyndall Beach being very crowded, at certain times.Dogs are permitted on-lead on most tracks and in most parks and reservesDogs are still permitted at Council events, on-lead, except in prohibited areasCafes - unclear.

The Kingborough Council Draft Dog Management Policy also covers subjects such as registration fees. We recommend you read the Kingborough Council's Draft Dog Management Policy

Copies of the Draft Dog Management Policy may also be requested from the Council. Phone (03) 6211 8200

Read the Kingborough Dog Walking Association submission to the Kingborough Council about allowing better access to beaches for dog walkers in Kingborough

What can you do?

Tell others

Encourage other dog owners to become familiar with the policy and write to the Council about their concerns, plus contact Councillors.

Write

Write to the Kingborough Council by 25 June 2018:

Kingborough Council

Civic Centre

15 Channel Highway, Kingston Tasmania 7050

Email: kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au

Contact Kingborough Councillors

Kingborough Councillors will make the ultimate decision about dog exercise areas in Kingborough. Contact Councillors.

Councils are required to review their Dog Management Policies every five years in accordance with the Dog Act 2001.

Join

Considering joining the Kingborough Dog Walking Association or a dog walking association in your area.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association (HDWA) lodged a written submission for the Hobart City Council's Dog Management Strategy review.

Councils are required under the Dog Act 2001 to review their dog management plans every five years.

For further information about how to have your say visit the Hobart City Council website.

Bonnie a puppy died in her owners arms after eating a poisoned bait placed in her backyard in Guardian Court, Huntingfield.

The owner has asked that Kingborough residents be made aware of the incident. Kingston Police have been notified. If you have any information please contact police.

Our deepest condolences to Bonnie’s family.

Sorell needs a dog walking association to represent the interests of local dog owners who pay registration and rates.

A meeting will be held to discuss the formation of a dog walking association to represent the interests of dog owners in the Sorell municipality.

Where: Okines Community House, Old Forcett Road, Dodges Ferry

When: Sunday 14 January 2018 4pm

The Sorell Council recently decided to ban dogs from Red Ochre Beach from 1 December to 1 March.

There was no mention of any plans to ban dogs from Red Ochre Beach in Sorell Council's Dog Management Plan consultation in 2017.

‘Puppy Parking’ trial for Salamanca Market - City of Hobart, Tasmania Australia

The City of Hobart has teamed up with the RSPCA in a new initiative set to trial a supervised ‘puppy parking’ station at the highly popular Salamanca Market.

The Lord Mayor Alderman Sue HIckey said the new puppy parking station was a great way for people to walk their dog to the market, knowing that their dog will be minded in a safe environment while they enjoy a day out with the whole family.

“For the cost of a donation to the RSPCA, people can leave their dog with RSPCA volunteers for up to two hours, with each dog getting its own designated tie up point, a comfortable mat and a bowl of water in a shady area on Salamanca Lawns right next to the market.

“While there, owners can also choose to select other RSPCA services such as worming, microchipping and dog walking,” said the Lord Mayor.

Alderman Bill Harvey, Chairman of the Council’s Community Culture and Events Committee said that the innovative idea came from the local dog community and the Council worked with the RSPCA to come up with the concept.

“The Market recently brought in a new policy of no dogs walking through the market to make it safer not only for dogs, but also people who, in such a busy environment could potentially trip over them.

“While working to inform local dog owners about the new policy, it was suggested that rather than a blanket ban on dogs at the market, we could look at providing a safe and dedicated area where people could leave their dogs and go shopping at the market,” said Ald Harvey.

The Lord Mayor predicted the service would be in high-demand.

“We hope this encourages more people to walk to market if they can bring their dog. Walking is a great way to stay fit and healthy and it’s great for our dogs too – they love the exercise and mental stimulation,” said the Lord Mayor.

The six week trial commences on Saturday 13 January 2018, operating between 10 am and 2 pm from the Silo end of Salamanca Lawns.

Puppy parking can cater for up to 20 dogs at any one time for a maximum of two hours. The service is all for the cost of a donation that goes directly to the RSPCA.

A Paw Up is helping to feed and care for the pets of our homeless or those facing homelessness.

Donations of pet food, collars, leads, treats or toys will be gratefully accepted at: SecondBite, 12 Mill Lane, Glenorchy (8am -4pm Monday to Friday) or 8 Formby Road, Devonport (7:30am -3pm Monday to Friday) or Pittwater Neighbourhood House, 34 Hoffman Street, Midway Point (9am - 2pm) or email apawup@yahoo.com to arrange collection.

Help from vets, vet nurses, owners or managers of boarding kennels would also be appreciated.

A leopard seal is being regularly seen lazing on Seven Mile Beach. Please keep your dogs away from it. The leopard seal is sleeping in different sections of the all-year off-lead area.

Keep your dog on-lead as you walk on the tracks through the dunes and don't let your dog off-lead until on the beach and notice the coast is clear. The leopard seal has been on the beach not far from the track's entrance to the beach. The track referred to has a sign and leads to the carpark, where the Parks and Wildlife Service ranger station is.

If exercising your dog off-lead on Seven Mile Beach and you see a large "log-like" form in the distance, put your dog on-lead as you get closer as it's probably the leopard seal.

Reminder to all dog walkers that all dog poo must be bagged and taken off-site by dog walkers. Bags of dog poo should not be left in the Parks and Wildlife Service carpark or outside the Parks building. There is also no supply of dog poo bags at this carpark so please bring your own bags.

The Parks and Wildlife Service has placed a number of signs at the carpark near their office reminding dog walkers to remove dog poo.

The Clarence City Council removed the dog poo bin in the Parks and Wildlife Service carpark some years ago. The Hobart Dog Walking Association wrote to the Clarence City Council and Parks and Wildlife Service requesting the bin be reinstated. However the Council advised they would not be reinstating the bin due to servicing costs and there are other dog poo bins in Seven Mile Beach which dog walkers could drive to.

It is highly unlikely the dog poo bin will ever be reinstated, particularly now part of Seven Mile Beach Road is closed due to the planned extension of the Hobart Airport runway. The road closure means you can no longer drive along the road running behind the beach.

Some recommended reading in today's edition of The Mercury - an article by Simeon Thomas-Wilson about the proposed changes to greyhound muzzling laws, incorporating the Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs' views outlined in our press release in the previous post. We hope Tasmania laws can be brought in line with other Australian states as soon as possible.

Following is a media release issued by the Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs, Inc regarding the Joint Select Committee into Greyhound Racing: Recommendation 31:

Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs is an incorporated association through which local Tasmanian dog walking associations are affiliated. There are currently three such associations covering much of the south of the state including Hobart Dog Walking Association Inc. The core aims of these associations are the promotion of responsible dog ownership and the socialisation of dogs and they are concerned about the current situation of greyhounds and their differentiation from other breeds.

The matter of appropriate treatment for greyhounds which have been re homed within the community was discussed by the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee into Greyhound Racing. This resulted in the formulation of Recommendation 31:

That the Government review the differentiation of greyhounds under the Dog Control Act 2000 with the intent to exempt greyhounds from wearing a muzzle while on lead in public.

At the Annual General Meeting of Hobart Dog Walking Association on 12th October 2016 the following resolution regarding greyhounds and muzzles was passed unanimously:

Hobart Dog Walking Association calls on the Tasmanian Government and Parliament to process and implement without delay Recommendation 31 (p.222) of the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in Tasmania. This recommendation will enable greyhounds approved for adoption to walk unmuzzled in public on lead.

This resolution was subsequently endorsed by Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs.

Demand for this change has grown over several years as the increasing numbers of greyhounds adopted have raised community awareness. Therefore prompt implementation of Recommendation 31 will meet with community expectations and we wish to urge the Minister for Racing, Jeremy Rockliff, and the Tasmanian Government to facilitate this as a matter of urgency.

Contact Details:

VED Andrews

President

Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs Inc.

Ph: 0410603991

The Glenorchy City Council is reviewing its Dog Management Plan. Submissions are due 28 October 2016.

Secretary of the Hobart Dog Walking Association, Philip Eldridge, is coordinating the HDWA response. Members are welcome to forward input to Philip.

We also appreciate if members have time to check out dog exercise areas in Glenorchy.

The Glenorchy City Council, according to its website is “in the process of amending the existing Dog Management Policy and it is envisaged that it will be open for public consultation later in 2016.”

The Hobart Dog Walking Association would appreciate Glenorchy members reviewing the policy, checking out dog exercise areas and discussing any thoughts with the Hobart Dog Walking Association. We plan to lodge a submission. It can be a valuable time for suggesting improvements.

Please contact Mr James Don, Glenorchy City Council's Acting Compliance Coordinator through Customer Service on (03) 6216 6800 for further information.

There is no mention of dog exercise areas or whether dog walking will be permitted on new tracks shown in the Draft Cambridge Master Plan.

The Clarence City Council is seeking public comment about the Draft Cambridge Master Plan.

The consultation period is until 10 June 2016.

Meet and discuss: Saturday 28 May 2016 at 10:30am. Dogs welcome.

Where: main carpark on top loop of Domain

Concerns have been raised by some members about how plans to construct multi-use paths for mountain bikes on the Domain might impact on dog walking and walking in general.

Hobart City Council has suddenly begun work on a new 'multi-use' development at the top of the Domain. This will include construction of paths for mountain bikes supposedly aimed at families and children.

Although the HCC claims there will be no change to the current off-lead status for dogs in the summit area some members believe that it is hard to see how such a development will not bring about a major change of environment for dog walking and for walking in general.

The development derives from the overall Master Plan for the Domain processed and approved in 2012-13.

As detailed plans were presented and public comment invited for other components of the Domain Master Plan, the HDWA believes it might reasonably have expected the same for this Master Plan.

Please read the at HCC Domain Master Plan, particularly the diagram and key on page 63 and page 90 of the full Master Plan report.

We look forward to your feedback.

Brighton Council has flagged the idea of a fenced dog park and training area on its landscape master plan for the Bridgewater Parkland area.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association encourages dog owners to write to the Brighton Council by the end of April 2016 to support the idea of a areas for walking and exercising dogs.

The aim of the master plan has been to create a community parkland that appeals to all age groups and abilities through a series of spaces and activities all sharing a common approach to design and planting treatments.

Embracing the existing natural assets of the mountain view and foreshore the intent is to create a linear parkland experience that connects the civic centre of the community to the foreshore with a series of play and recreational facilities along the way. The end goal is to create spaces for community, vibrant places for play, gathering, markets, daydreaming, exercise and enjoying life.

In response to the sense of place of the site the concept for the play spaces has been loosely based on the form of a swans nest amidst the rushes, with the use of grassy mounds amongst forests of trees and play elements encouraging a sense of discovery and delight but with a calmness of approach to the design in order to retain the gentle feel to the site.

Situated in the middle of the parkland is a skatepark, areas for walking and exercising dogs, mountain bike trail, café, and toilets. The entire design is to consider the principles of Crime Prevention Through Urban Design (CPTED).

Brighton is not within the Hobart Dog Walking Association areas, although naturally we support dog exercise areas in that municipality.

Comments should be forward to david.allingham@brighton.tas.gov.au by the end of April 2016.

The Molle Street to McKellar section of the Hobart Rivulet Track will be closed from late April 2016 as the Hobart City Council starts construction of the Hobart Rivulet Shared Path as part of its ongoing implementation of the Hobart Rivulet Park Strategic Master Plan 2011.

Due to the scale of the construction works, site constraints and safety of park users, this section of the park will be closed for approximately two months from late April whilst construction is undertaken.

Signs will be erected in a range of key locations informing park users of the project and the parks closure. During this period park users will be directed to use a street-based route via Gore Street and Macquarie Street.

In addition to the park based project, road works are also programmed to be undertaken in tandem with the shared path works at the intersection of Gore and McKellar Streets with the construction of a new raised pedestrian crossing to improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists crossing at this point and slow cars at the Gore Street Bridge.

Further information can be accessed through the Council’s website at www.hobartcity.com.au

The Clarence City Council has increased its dog patrols on Bellerive Beach following the change of rules whereby dogs are banned from the first section of the beach (from First Bluff to Beach Street Access, formerly the on-lead section subject to time restrictions) and also in Apex Park (also known as Bellerive Beach Play Park and various other names ie the park opposite the fish and chip shop).

The Hobart City Council is increasing its presence and patrols on Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, following complaints of off-lead dogs during the designated on-lead times.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association encourages all dog owners to observe the on-lead times as dogs faced bans on Nutgrove Beach during the day in summer when the Council last reviewed its Dog Management Plan in 2013, and proposed a total dog ban during the day. The total dog ban almost came about because of complaints to the Council.

The Hobart Dog Walking Association worked hard to stop the dog ban on Nutgrove with deputations to the Council and letter writing. One of our members also collected a petition with 477 signatures and many other dog owners wrote to the Council.

So, please don't let your dog off-lead during the on-lead times at Nutgrove Beach.

Kingborough Council has received concerns from members of the public regarding Greyhounds in declared exercise areas and other public spaces, that are not muzzled and restrained by a lead.

The Council would like to proactively remind all groups and individuals meeting in Kingborough, that it is a current requirement (rightly or wrongly) under section 18 of the Dog Control Act 2000, that Greyhounds, while in a public place are muzzled and secured/restrained by means of a lead not exceeding two metres long, held by hand by a person of sufficient age and strength to control the dog. Please do not hesitate to contact the Kingborough Council if you have any queries or wish to discuss any issues further. Kingborough Council Compliance Office phone 6211 8200.

The Clarence City Council passed its new Dog Managment Plan Council on 16 November 2015. The significant changes are at Bellerive, Lindisfarne and a proposed off-lead at all times section of dog beach at Lauderdale will not proceed.

Bellerive Beach and Apex Park, Bellerive

Dogs will now be banned from the section of Bellerive Beach (First Bluff to Beach Street Access) and Apex Park (except for multi-user pathway) and Simmons Park, at Lindis

Why’s this concerning?

Dog walkers have lose almost one-third of Bellerive Beach

The section of beach from Beach Street to Second Bluff (ie Howrah end of Bellerive Beach) will remain off-lead but the summer restrictions of no dogs from 1 December – 1 March from 10am – 6pm will remain.

Losing the right to walk your dog through Apex Park, Bellerive

It’s simply ridiculous that people with a dog on-lead now won't be able to walk through the Bellerive Apex Park, sit on the grass or at a picnic table or watch their children play in the park.

Forget about buying fish and chips and sitting in in the park with your dog on-lead.

The multi-user pathway

Dogs will still be able to be walked on-lead on the multi-user pathway only that goes from Apex Park, Bellerive, through Wentworth Park, Howrah.

What’s worth supporting in Clarence Dog Management Review?

Being able to walk on-lead dogs on the perimeter of the Bellerive Boardwalk where dogs were previously banned.Dogs being permitted on Roches Beach at Lauderdale from the canal to Mays Point at all times under effective control provisions.

Simmons Park, Lindisfarne

Simmons Park at Lindisfarne will become on-lead only because of the large fenced children's infrastructure. It is a shame dog walkers lose out because of change of use or redevelopment within a park.

Lauderdale Beach

The Clarence City Council did consider creating an off-lead section at Lauderdale Beach at all times when they released the first draft of their dog management plan. This idea was a response to a petition the Council received from Lauderdale dog owners. This will now not proceed due to opposition from the Lauderdale community in round two of the Dog Management Review consultation.

What to do?

Tell the Clarence City Council you're not happy.

Join the Hobart Dog Walking Association (if you're not already a member) so you are kept informed about what's happening with dog exercise areas.