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Maroochy Shire Council's
Dog Gestapo

Oops!!!    They don't like being called that no more.
How's about DOG CATCHER ?  NO ?
The NEW Bureauspeak Term they prefer is
LOCAL LAWS OFFICERS
And they are now Multi-Skilled as well - WOW!
Not only can they fine you for your Dog, but for parking your Vehicle as well.


That's right, they have now all done their Parking Attendants course and are fully qualified to write you out an on the spot fine for breaching the New Shire Parking Local Laws, which are of course a COPY of the ones from down south where most of their Staff now come from.
So, as well as speeding up and down the beach looking for canine criminals, the Maroochy Police will soon be cruising the burbs and fining folk for parking on footpaths or washing their vehicles in their driveways .
And if they apply themselves to the new task with as much vigor as they did to the Dogs on the Beach issue, we will soon feel the heavy hand of Big Brother on our necks and in our pockets as they enforce the letter of the law as they feel fit.
Propaganda from Council assured us that LLOs would use Common Sense when enforcing the New Parking Laws, but past experience with the Dog Laws has taught us that Common Sense comes in second when Bullies are given any authority.
How soon will it be before they're issued with Wheel Clamps and Side Arms?


 
 

Here are a few Typical Case Histories which show how Common Sense goes out the window
when  Big Brother gets to exercise his Bullies Ego on Dog Owners on the Beach
Only the Names have been changed to protect the Victims Identity

THE SITUATION: 
Autumn 2002, Marcoola Beach, Mid morning, Rainy day, High tide, Deserted beach

Reg takes his dog for a quick walk between showers (100m max). 
Dog is on a leash, but as there's nobody about he drops it to allow dog to chase a seagull into surf.
When about to leave beach he stops to talk to neighbour who's wife commences to pet the dog. 
They don't notice the white Council Suzuki drive up behind them until it's too late. 
The Dog Catcher gets out proceeds to give them a lecture about holding onto the lead at all times then announced his intention to issue a citation because he had observed the dog running into the water upon his approach. The fact that the beach is deserted does not change the Letter of the Law.
Reg walks away, but gets a fine for $150 in the mail next day.
The little crud had already read the Tag Number whilst engaging them in conversation and nobody but NOBODY walks away from an important man like him and gets away with it.

THE OUTCOME:  Council has lost an Ally and gained an Enemy.
Reg once had good relations with Council having served as an Honorary Ranger, Rescue Helicopter Crewman and Part Time Lifeguard but now feels so insulted by this incident he has severed all links with Council and all his previous Community Projects such as; Volunteer Fire Brigade, Beach Cleanup, Dune Restoration & Weedbusters, Meals on Wheels, Life Saving, S.E.S. etc. 
   All because of this officious little mans need to assert his authority. 


 
THE SITUATION: 
Winter 2002, Sunrise, South Marcoola Beach, Beach deserted except for professional fishermen.

John jogs with his dog before breakfast. It's still DARK. A car approaches with it's headlights on. 
He thinks it's a professional fisherman until it stops and the Dog Catcher gets out in his blue uniform.
The dog was actually wearing his lead but he had dropped it to give him a better run.
John was amazed to hear that he is to receive a citation for not having the dog's lead in his hand and he told the officious little prick so, but to no avail.
He feels humiliated at being virtually ARRESTED on the beach by this guy but takes his Ticket home.
It was too dark to read on the beach but he was expecting a fine of about $30. 
Imagine his anger when he finds it's actually for $150. 
Real Criminals don't receive a fine of that much for Speeding or Running a Red Light.

THE OUTCOME: Council has lost the support of yet another law abiding citizen and his story has now spread far and wide throughout the Community.

THE SITUATION: 
Summer 2002, Mid week 10-30AM, Location: Marcoola south of Surf Club, Hot Sunny day.

Lynne takes her two little girls and the family poodle down the path to the beach for a swim. 
The dog is on it's lead. The sand is hot and the kids run ahead to cool their feet in the water.
Lynne is laden down with towels and gear and the dog pulls free and runs after the kids.
Lynne makes it onto the beach only to find our Hero waiting next to his white Suziki.
Again it's a humiliating lecture about keeping your dog under control at all times followed by the inevitable $150 Fine. 

THE OUTCOME: Council has lost the respect of another family together with all their friends.
 

These are but three of the NUMEROUS tales of woe we have heard since Council decided to get tough on Dog Laws at the beginning of 2002. 
                              There was NO WARNING.
And now they have expanded their field of fire to include Vehicle Parking etc.
And they expect us to believe they will be fair and exercise restraint when flexing their new powers and issuing on the spot fines.   I don't think so Tim!    Not judging by their track record to date.
They'll soon alienate every Citizen and Visitor on the whole Sunshine Coast.

LOCAL LAWS OFFICERS???
 A ROSE by any other Name.......
I think we will continue to refer to them by their more descriptive and Traditional Title
 
 
 
 

ARSE HOLES



 
 
 
 
 

 

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