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.