Community
18 May, 2024
Dog owners ‘on notice’
CASSOWARY Coast Regional Council’s local law officers are cracking down on dog owners whose pets are off their leash in public areas except for designated leash-free spaces.
New dog off-leash patrols will soon start in key areas throughout the region to ensure dog walkers are aware of the laws.
Development, planning and environment councillor Jeff Baines said a major objective of the initiative was to help the community understand why leashes were so important.
“Our beaches and parks are for everyone and whilst most people are mindful of dog etiquette while out for a walk, council receives too many reports of dogs off-leash causing distress to community members and other animals,” he said.
“Incidents range from dogs disturbing other animals and people, to full blown attacks which could have been avoided if the dog was on a leash.”
Cr Baines said the dog patrols would take an informative approach but warned that fines of up to $774 could be issued to people blatantly and repeatedly flaunting the law.
“In 2023 council responded to more than 1000 incidents involving animals, 263 being dangerous or menacing dogs,” he said.
“Our local law officers are dog lovers and at every opportunity they’ll show appreciation for people being awesome and taking good care of their animals, but we know some people need help being responsible dog owners.” In February 2024 the council amended its Subordinate Local Laws 2022 to include additional dog off-leash areas following public consultation resulting in eight areas where dogs can legally be off-leash.
They are: Innisfail’s Wrights Park on Sherwood St, Wongaling Beach’s Banfield Parade and Dickinson Street, Tully Heads, between the Carron Esplanade and Penning Park, Kurrimine Beach’s Boustead Park, Mission Beach’s Esplanade, South Mission Beach’s foreshore, Tully’s Widsoet Park, and Cardwell’s Coral Sea Park.
• Information about responsible dog ownership and animal regulations in the Cassowary Coast can also be found on the council’s website at
• For further information about dog patrols contact the council on 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au
