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Enjoy Bass Coast beaches with your dog this summer with designated off-leash areas

Take your dog to the beach this summer and let them run freely in the designated off-leash areas at Bass Coast. Enjoy the sand and surf together!

By news@gippsland - 4th January 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council's summer regulations relating to dogs on beaches are now in effect. Dog owners are encouraged to make sure they are following the regulations by checking the signs at the access points to beaches and reserves or by visiting council's website at Bass Coast Shire Pets and Animals page.

On all other beaches under the management of council, dogs are permitted at all times but must be on a lead, please refer to signage at beach entry points

Tips on off-leash areas

There are several off-leash areas across Bass Coast, including four on Phillip Island, one in San Remo and several others from Inverloch through to Grantville. Dogs must be kept on a leash when walking along tracks through the foreshore.

A few things to remember when using the off-leash areas with your dog include:

• You must carry a leash and use it immediately if the situation calls for it
• Your dog must be under effective voice control at all times
• Your dog mustn't rush, jump on any person or attack any person or animal
• You must keep your dog in sight at all times

Additionally, dog owners using off-leash areas on Phillip Island and San Remo must also bring their dog under effective control when within 50 metres of a signed threatened species wildlife refuge area. This helps to protect Hooded Plover nesting sites, which may be located within a designated off-leash area. Failure to follow these rules could result in enforcement action.

Safety and restrictions

Council officers will be patrolling beaches, off-leash areas and parks throughout the summer period to make sure everyone is doing the right thing and having a great time. Where appropriate, council officers will issue infringement notices to dog owners who are found doing the wrong thing.

All dogs must be on a leash when out in public and not in a designated off-leash area. Failure to do so can result in an infringement of $185. You must also pick up after your dog when out in public and carry bags with which to do so. Failure to pick up after your dog or carry bags carries an infringement of up to $370.

For more information, please contact council's community safety team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or visit Bass Coast Shire Pets and Animals page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com