by crollsurf » Wed 03 Jan, 2018 8:23 am
I’m a dog owner, I agree strongly in this case and in most cases, that dogs should not be allowed in NP’s but not all cases. Anywhere that is wilderness or of significant heritage value should never allow dogs into the park. But this blanket “No dogs allowed” leads to dog owners ignoring the rule and just accepting the fine if caught, it’s not a criminal offence. I would like to see some common sense in this regard.
There are many areas which are not wilderness and have no significant heritage value, full of rubbish, high-power lines, roads, horse manure, feral animals and fire trails that have been eroded by bike riders, horses and 4WD’s.
If it was up to me, I would allow dogs in certain areas, particularly urban areas. Every dog would need to be microchipped, owners must carry doggie bags and have a NP “dog” pass to enter. I would up the fines dramatically for infringements, I wouldn’t allow camping with dogs (there are State Forests for that) and use the money raised through fines and passes to increase funding for eradicating feral animals.
There is a lot of money to be made by NP’s if they used common sense in this regard. And if dog owners don’t show common sense, fine the living daylights out of them.