Somers Dogs On The Beach

Dogs on Somers Beach This summer alone I have received many phone calls from beach uses who feel that their enjoyment of the beach has been spoilt, at the least, or completely ruined by uncontrolled dogs on the beach. The Dog Regulations situation is confusing and unsatisfactory for everyone. No one - no matter if you are someone who wants your dog running freely on the beach all the time or whether you would like no dogs on the beach at all - no one is happy with the situation as it causes argument and disharmony between community members. Perhaps it is time for all of us to take responsibility for the community we’d like to live in.

One day last winter I sat on the wind swept beach, just below the Somers Store access path with my little granddaughter between my legs, protecting her from the wind with my coat and body. We were making the biggest hole in the world!

Down the store track rushed a wildly happy Hairy McClary type dog. He was shortly followed by his friend, a large black Labrador and, after a while, a human.

The joyful group rushed off along the beach and we continued to dig.

We forgot all about the dogs as we continued to work on our mighty hole. Then, in a scatter of sand Hairy McClary came rushing back and his friend, all smiles and dripping wet, came to share a joyful kiss with my little grand daughter.

My little grand daughter thought that the dog, with its huge tongue and smiling mouth, was going to eat her!  Now what is the point of this story?

I am a grandmother - and I reassured my little grand daughter and told her that the dog was not going to eat her but just wanted to kiss her.

But I am also a volunteer member of the Somers Foreshore Committee of Management

This summer alone I have received many phone calls from beach uses who feel that their enjoyment of the beach has been spoilt, at the least, or completely ruined by uncontrolled dogs on the beach.

The Dog Regulations situation is confusing and unsatisfactory for everyone. No one - no matter if you are someone who wants your dog running freely on the beach all the time or whether you would like no dogs on the beach at all - no one is happy with the situation as it causes argument and disharmony between community members. Perhaps it is time for all of us to take responsibility for the community we’d like to live in.

The Shire has established a trial leash free exercise area on South Beach.

Could dog owners wishing to let their dog run free on the beach please use the South Beach area and the leash free extension east of the South Beach Access path (the extension is available all hours except between 9 am and 7 pm during Daylight Saving)?

Perhaps all other dog owners could try to keep their dogs on a leash, or under control, at all times when on all other areas of the beach - and perhaps keep their dogs off the beach altogether in the hours between 9 am and 7 pm during Daylight Saving – to give the humans a chance!

In an attempt to call upon the good nature and natural sense of responsibility and fair play of Somers residents and visitors the Somers Foreshore Committee is installing signage saying, “We love your dog on a lead – Thankyou”. The committee asks you to acknowledge the signs and to please consider your fellow Somers residents.

by Rosemary Birney March 2007