Dogs let loose on Werri Beach

KATINA CURTIS

THE dogs are loose on Werri Beach and local canine owners are enjoying the freedom and exercise it gives their pets.

The council’s trial of the off-leash dog swimming area on the beach began at the start of the month and continues until the end of May.

Gerringong resident Barry Griffiths said he had taken his dog Pippa to the beach every day since the trial began.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing and I hope they continue to do it,” he said.

“No one to my mind has been doing the wrong thing with their dogs.”

Previously he took Pippa to the off-leash area on the headland at the southern end of the beach, but said she much preferred being able to run on the sand.

“Pippa loves it, she absolutely loves it,” he said.

John Griffiths from Gerroa said off-leash zones on beaches were fantastic.

“You’ll never see a happier dog than one running along the beach,” he said.

“It’s great that dog owners south of Kiama can now legally take their pets for a run on the beach without having to trek to Bombo.”

The trial area at Werri Beach starts at the beach entrance opposite Moore Street and extends north about 400 metres to the beach entrance opposite 63 Pacific Avenue.

During the trial, dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach before 9am and after 5pm daily.

Details of the trial, including maps and conditions, are available from the council’s offices, Kiama Library and on the council’s web site in the environmental services section.

Mayor Sandra McCarthy said council rangers would be conducting surveys throughout the trial.

“I encourage local residents and dog owners to take advantage of the trial period and to make written submissions to council by the end of May,” Cr McCarthy said.