Council have
issued him with a new white 4WD and a blue Policeman's Uniform and given
him the authority to issue on the spot fines for any and all breaches of
the Local Laws.
Theoretically, this
would not be such a BAD thing - for Vicious Dogs on Crowded Beaches, but
for our DESERTED Beach in the early morning it's RIDICULOUS.
Unfortunately
this overzealous officer treats all dogs as
vicious and all
dog owners as criminals.
Over the years
many of us have become complacent with regards to the strict letter of
the law requiring dogs to be kept on a leash AT
ALL TIME.
In the past
common sense has prevailed and we have often let our dogs have a run or
a swim without bothering anybody. There have never been any
problems and we have never needed anybody to enforce any hard and fast
rules in this regard.
No longer can
you afford to drop Fido's lead and let him chase a seagull or go for a
swim without risking a hefty fine. $150
for not maintaining effective control in a public place
The new Dog
Catcher has changed this pleasant pastime into a stressful exercise.
Unfortunately,
people in positions like his are looked upon as ambassadors of the Council
and his preference for using intimidation rather than cooperation when
dealing with people on the beach has provoked deep feelings of anger and
resentment in the community.
This officers
actions are more in keeping with those of a Detention Centre Prison Guard
in a Police State than what is expected for a junior public servant in
a Tourist Area.
We have many
pensioners and retirees in our community on fixed incomes who can ill afford
to pay such a hefty fine for such a minor offense in order to boost his
ego.
Consequently
he is doing irreparable damage to Council/Community Public Relations.
It was our
desire to avoid this type of confrontation that prompted our request to
have a section of our beach between M47 and M50 declared an Off-Leash area
for Dogs.
This request
was rejected on the grounds that it was considered that there were already
areas for this purpose provided at Stumers Creek and the Airport Park.
However both
these areas are too far away for North Marcoola residents to use without
resorting to car travel.
What can you do to Avoid a FINE?
| Be Alert:
This joker patrols the beach from early morning in a white 4WD. If you see him coming - LEAVE. Unfortunately you won't always see his car because he often parks near a beach entry and sneaks down the path to catch offenders off guard. Keep your eyes peeled for Blue Police Style Uniforms near Beach Entry Points. One of his tactics is to stalk people on the beach and photograph them in the act with their dog off it's leash, before approaching and issuing an on the spot fine of $150 for breaching the Local Law. Don't let him get close enough to read the dog tag number. The registration number is clearly visible from a distance, and it's the first thing he needs. While he is walking towards you and giving his official speech about "..wishing to talk to you about your dog...etc."he is covertly reading the number so by the time he announces his intention to issue you with a citation and asking you for his Registration Number - He already HAS it. His plan is to provoke you into loosing your temper and doing something RASH like Refusing to cooperate or Walking away. He can then justify POSTING you a $150 Fine by Registered Mail even though you think your OFFENSE and should have only warranted a Warning. Remember - He gives FINES not Warnings so KEEP CLEAR |
Want to HELP?
| Write a letter to Council through
your Local Representative supporting our request for a Harassment Free
Zone between M47 and M50
If you have had the misfortune to had a run in with this Dog Catcher, complain to your Division-4 representative Errol Middlebrook (He is the ONLY person who will sympathize and may be able to help) Send us an E-Mail and tell us about your experience. |
ARSE HOLE
