OPENING STATEMENT
OM is in the process of reviewing by-laws with regard to DOGS-OFF-LEASH AREAS
This debate was a BBRA initiative in line with the Overstrand Municipality’s initiative to create leash-free zones. The debate was conducted to assess the thoughts and opinions of the ratepayers of Betty’s Bay regarding the where, when and how this could be done.
Our intention is to share this information with the Overstrand Municipality to help them make informed decisions in this regard.
As a community we must continue to assist the Overstrand Municipality in addressing the issues surrounding leash free zones in order to come up with ideas and answers together.
AIM
The aim of this correspondence is to inform home-owners, residents and the municipal planners as to what the collective in Betty’s Bay are thinking.
BACKGROUND
There are many dog owners visiting and living in Betty’s Bay who feel the need to exercise their pets more effectively and within the law. At the moment this is not possible.
There are certain visitors and residents that have total disregard for the law and the impact they have on others. Our open spaces are pristine and fragile at the same time with plants and wild animals in them.
The Overstrand Municipality ran a fact-finding pilot project to establish the feasibility and impact a leash free space would have on the environment and communities. It is understood that this process has been concluded and a way forward will be discussed.
It is for this reason we had the debate in order to inform the Overstrand Municipality of what our needs are… We also came up with ideas and solutions that will work in Betty’s Bay.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
- Dog owners don’t have adequate spaces to run their dogs off their leashes.
- There are dog owners that let their dogs run free and off the leash anywhere they like.
- Wild animals and fragile plants are destroyed by some of these dogs off their leashes.
- Community conflict is growing between those that abide by the law with their dogs on leashes and those that disregard the law and run their dogs freely wherever they see fit.
- Some community members are terrified of these dogs off the leashes and feel violated in the streets of Betty’s Bay.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The outcome of the debate acknowledges that:
- Dog owners may not have their dogs off the leashes anywhere in Betty’s Bay besides in the confines of their own properties.
- Law Enforcement are not able to police dogs off leashes all the time and it would be unfair to expect them to do so.
- Some dog owners don’t care about the law as they have been getting away with their dogs being off their leashes for many years.
- Some dog owners don’t care about other people, the fauna and flora of the area.
- We understand that this is a complex and difficult situation to manage.
- We understand that by-laws will have to be enforced in this regard with an amendment or instruction.
- It is also understood that some dogs may be extremely boisterous or even dangerous.
- We acknowledge the sincerity of the Overstrand Municipality to resolve these issues.
We, you and I, have to make decisions and come up with answers to our own problems, and encourage support from the Overstrand Municipality.
COMMUNITY VISION
- To be a community where there is a minimum amount of conflict over what is allowed and what is not.
- To be a community of dog owners who abide by the law.
- To be a community where we have created spaces for dog owners to run their dogs off their leashes without fear of a fine.
SOLUTIONS
The ratepayers and residents have proposed the following.
- That four spaces may be considered leash free zones.
- There would be certain rules attached to these leash free zones.
CHALLENGES
The main challenge again is for us as the community to take full responsibility for these areas and the enforcing of the rules. We will need to fund this endeavour in its entirety ourselves. This too can be done.
CONCLUSION
This can be seen as a positive way forward and may be used as a model for future requests for same. Besides providing for all these requirements we also need to keep the peace between us all while protecting our natural spaces.
This information was gathered through debate by the ratepayers and residents of Betty’s Bay.
LEASH FREE ZONES
There were other spaces discussed and offered as being suitable, however they were rejected as those spaces were considered “people spaces”, especially during holiday periods.
The spaces between the flags in the maps below indicate the suggested areas for being “leash-free” areas within the greater leash free zone. This implies that within the leash free zone the flags may be move for whatever reason. The important thing is to remain within the flags on the day.
FIG 1 THE FIRST LEASH FREE ZONE SILVERSANDS
FIG 2 THE SECOND LEASH FREE ZONE MAIN BEACH
FIG 3 THE THIRD LEASH FREE ZONE BASS LAKE FIRE BREAKS.
FIG 4 THE FOURTH LEASH FREE ZONE CENTRAL FIRE BREAK.
RULES
- Grassed area which is mowed from time to time cannot be used for this purpose at this stage. The Fynbos areas must be protected at all costs. Apart from protecting our floral heritage, the fynbos also attracts snakes, which may be problematic for all.
- Access to fresh water will not be provided and owners must bring their own water for their dogs.
- Fencing around these spaces may not take place at all.
- Dogs that are not properly socialised may not make use of these spaces until properly trained or rehabilitated. Proper dog parenting is important.
- Dog Poo: It is absolutely essential that dog owners pick up their dog’s poo. All dog owners must bring their own bags to pick up their dog’s deposits and take these home with them for now.
- As these are natural spaces, everything you bring into the area must be taken out with you.
- The dog community are to erect sufficient signage with the help of Overstrand Municipality.
- Flags are to be used to indicate the leash free zones on beach spaces. The flags must indicate the boundaries of the leash free zones within the dedicated beach spaces.
- Dog owners need to be responsible for their dogs and demonstrate control over them.
- No dog may be allowed to chase, bite or frighten any wild animal whilst enjoying these spaces with their owners and other users.
GRATITUDE BY BBRA CHAIRMAN
I thank each person that attended our debate and sent me emails in this regard. It all helps us to understand our situation better. It is people of your calibre that will see us succeed in all that we do. This is not the end of it but the beginning and lots will be added going forward.
Date: 27 March 2023
(WR JACKSON)
BETTY’S BAY RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION: CHAIRMAN
Distribution
Betty’s Bay Ratepayers and residents Att: (All registered members)
Ward 10 committee Att: (Counsellor Theresa Els)
BBRA Committee Att: (All members and appointees)
Facilitator
Wayne Jackson
Scribes
Karon Scholefield