Kate's story

To the Councillors of Sydney and Interested Parties
RE : Our Community Spirit and Dog Ownership.

Dear Sir / Madam,
I write as a resident of the inner city of Sydney, my aim in writing is to engage you for just a few minutes of your busy day.
In this past week I have witnessed dismay amongst many residents involving the issue of Dog Owners and their use of the surrounding parkland's ….... please read on before you judge me here.
I can understand the arguments both for and against off leash park use, you likely do not give a damn either way, perhaps you don't live in the area, perhaps you have never owned a pet and perhaps you may even despise Dogs and their owners. As a community representative you have chosen to accept the responsibility that comes with your position, you alone must decide what makes a community a community and you must be able to empathise with all members of your community – that is a necessity.
Let me step back a little, I came to live here in Pyrmont and I did not know anyone, I now have many wonderful friends by simply taking my Dog out for a walk …..... think about that, and your response may well be “so what, you can still meet people with your dog on a leash” of course, I cannot argue with that …......
It is a well known fact that dogs behave differently on a leash, dogs need to play with other dogs, they need to run and jump and roll around on the grass etc, now tell me how they can do all that with a leash attached to their neck? Perhaps you can tell me how a Dog can fetch a ball with it's leash on?
I agree that there are a few irresponsible or careless owners who just do not use common-sense when out with their dogs, I won't bore you with all the negatives that can and do occur, but remember that the vast majority of dog owners care very much about the public perception of dogs and go to great lengths to inform careless dog owners of their responsibilities.
Dogs bring great enjoyment to families, they get lonely people out there in the community and many friendships have been made, keeping dogs on leash at all times has not been an issue in the past, why is it suddenly such an important issue now?
Some of the arguments put forward for dogs to be on leash at all times are certainly questionable, on the rare occasion (twice) that I have seen dogs in the children's playground, I have noticed that the dogs were on leads and were owned by the families / individuals who had children playing in the area, furthermore those persons were not from the immediate area of Pyrmont as I had never seen the dog or owner before, I have lived here for 5 years.
I consider myself as a responsible dog owner, my dog, as are many dogs in this area have been rescued from dog pounds and from a well known organisation “Monica s Doggie Rescue”. On weekends when the parks are well used by families I keep my dog on his leash whether it is an on leash or off leash area, it is just common-sense to do so as I do not want my dog to disturb people enjoying a picnic or have my dog panicked by screaming children chasing after him.
Common sense and consideration is the key to sharing outdoor spaces, no amount of legislation will prevent inconsiderate people causing disturbance to others. I firmly believe that the parks which attract the most public usage be provided with a timed off leash allowance on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
I ask council for consideration of permitting off leash use of specific parks with the exception of School Holidays, Public Holidays and Weekends. During these periods timed use could apply, an example would be after 5pm and prior to 8 am on such days. As a resident I can confirm that on an average weekday there is very little use of the park areas around pyrmont by the community. I believe such a proposal would provide an amicable solution.
I truly believe that the current plan to remove off leash dog areas will fracture this community, we spend tens of thousands of dollars on providing skate parks to remove skaters from our footpaths and even more to provide cycleways for cyclists, this decision will have a very detrimental effect upon dog owners and the many families who love their pets.
I did not receive a letter from council on this topic and thus had no opportunity to vote on the issue despite living adjacent to Cadi Park at Pyrmont. The general consensus among my many friends who live in this area, including non dog owners is that this decision process is being driven by just a few residents who are ultimately determined to have all dogs removed from parks within the pyrmont area, this is both unfair and unjust and will result in a determined campaign by dog owners and their many supporters.
Personally I am dismayed that this decision is being rushed through without due consideration to the people of Pyrmont. I ask all councillors to take a step back and listen to the entire community, not just the vocal few. This issue has already become an ugly topic here in Pyrmont, please don't let it continue in this manner.
Please take some time in your busy schedule to consider this matter carefully and come to a decision that does not disadvantage any group in this wonderful community.
Sincerely,
K.Fraser