Most participants (93%) report they are aware or were previously aware of the dog restrictions at their nominated beach,

A higher proportion of the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary participants (13%) were not previously aware of the dog restrictions.

Overall, most participants (62%) report that dog restrictions are followed most of the time at their nominated beach.

Around 19% believe the rules are followed about half the time.

A higher proportion of the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary participants (27%) reported dog restrictions are rarely followed.

Participants suggested dog beach restrictions are not followed due to (participants could choose more than one response)

• Dog owners ignoring restrictions (42%)
• Lack of enforcement of rules (28.5%)
• Lack of awareness (28%)
• Confusion because restrictions are different on nearby beaches (27%)

Other ideas on lack of compliance included:

• Some restrictions or curfews seem unfair, excessive or unnecessary, particularly when there is limited use of the beach at some times of the day and in cool or poor weather conditions
• Need for improved signage: Need for more clear, large, consistent, prominent and visible signage generally and at beach entrances for dog owners and non-dog owners
• Dogs are not under effective control or have limited supervision and may poop when out of owner’s sight
• Inconsistent restrictions or restriction changes: Unclear or inconsistent restrictions, dogs banned between areas, area borders not being clearly marked, limited gates/fencing or containment

A small majority (55%) reported that the restrictions were balanced and fair for all, while

42% disagreed and

4% were unsure.

32% of participants reported No change is needed.

Others reported it would be fairer if there were:

• More off-leash beach areas in summer (41%)
• Longer beach access timings for dogs in summer (40%)
• More year-round dog off-leash beaches (35%)

Further suggestions included:

• Prefer to have some dog-free areas: No dogs on some beaches, more year-round no dog beaches, dog-free zones, ban dogs, prefer no dogs off-leash on beaches, no dogs on beaches in summer (40 comments)
• Better or more monitoring, enforcement, penalties and fines (33 comments)
• Clear and consistent rules: Consistent restrictions, clear marking of beach areas, delineation of areas, clear rules around dogs on path areas (24 comments)
• Encourage responsible pet ownership: Raising awareness of rules, more education, or training for dog owners, around shared use etiquette, collecting poo, and effective control (22 comments)
• Need for improved signage: More clear, consistent, prominent and visible signage generally and at beach entrances for dog owners and non-dog owners (20 comments)
• Allow dogs on beaches on-leash generally and in summer (19 comments)

490 participants responded to questions on Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.

• 30% selected no change needed
• 27% requested dogs be prohibited near Ricketts Point
• 12% want restrictions removed completely
• 10% happy to keep Beaumaris Yacht Club beach off-leash but all other Ricketts Point beaches remain on-leash
• 9% want on-leash only near Ricketts Point
• 4% selected keeping Beaumaris Yacht Club off leash but prohibit dogs at all other Ricketts Point beaches.

Participants were asked to select all that they felt were very important from a list of services Council provides.

Off-leash areas at parks and beaches are seen as the highest priority to ensure responsible dog ownership. 69% of participants put this in their top 3 services that Council provides.

Signage to explain responsible pet requirements including beach restrictions was prioritised by 64% of participants.

Dedicated secure (fenced) dog parks ranked third with 61% selecting this.

Reuniting lost pets with owners and (stricter) enforcement of laws was also considered important by over 40% of participants.

Discounted pet registration for puppies as a low priority only selected by 19% of those surveyed.

Participants reported more frequently observing dog-owners:

• taking dogs off-leash where they shouldn’t be (38%)
• not watching dogs in off-leash areas (34%)
• not having effective voice control of dogs off-leash (33%)

Owners failing to pick up dog waste is still frequently seen by 31% and occasionally seen by 55% of participants.

Most survey participants (65%) do not experience any challenges with complying with local domestic animal regulations.

20% found the cost of registration a challenge, while keeping dogs on-leash was an issue for 7%.

Overall, participants provided a range of suggestions for things Council could do to improve the safety and welfare of pets, people and environment.

The two most common themes were:

• Increasing animal management monitoring, surveillance and enforcement (403 participants).
• Providing adequate dedicated dog off-leash spaces (353 participants).

Other ideas included:

• Increasing dog-related amenities such as dog waste bins, poo bag dispensers, dog friendly drinking fountains and dog wash stations.
• Reviewing, improving, upgrading and increasing instructional signage and path markings
• Raising awareness, education and incentives for respectful use of shared spaces.

• All off-leash areas to be fenced and gated
• Separate areas for small and large dogs
• No dogs on sports ovals during training or competitions.

• Pick up after your dog
• Dogs on lead when club sport is on
• Include details of penalties
• Simple rules, not wordy
• 24/7 rules - not seasonal or time related.

• Council to partner with and promote accredited training providers
• (Compulsory) Induction sessions for new pet owners
• Reduced registration for certificate from accredited trainer
• More enforcement
• CCTV cameras, visible rules and penalties
• Focus on keeping dogs under reasonable control

• 42% prioritised ensuring safety, accessibility, positive off-leash areas
• 22% prioritised improving signage
• 25% prioritised supporting responsible pet ownership
• 9% prioritised encouraging obedience training