Gerald Lynch
A Newport resident is seething after her children were left “heavily distressed” at the Newport Lakes Reserve.
On a leisurely stroll with her partner and two children (aged eight and 10), Jenny Beszelzen unknowingly walked into an off-leash dog area along Bruce Street.
Ms Beszelzen said there were no signs to warn her that she was about to enter an off-leash zone, and she and her children were given a huge fright.
“There was a large off-lead dog that immediately came bounding over to us, barking and jumping at my two children, who at this stage were screaming hysterically,” she said.
“The owner stood there and laughed, and did nothing as we repeatedly asked her to recall her dog and leash it so we could pass.
“We came across several other unleashed dogs on our walk to the lakes but they were smaller dogs and better behaved that they weren’t an issue.”
Ms Beszelzen said she is yet to submit an official complaint to council, but plans to in the near future.
“Their website states that if dogs cannot be recalled or behave around strangers they should remain leashed,” she said.
“It’s not a great area to have as an off-leash space. There are many other off-leash spaces in Hobsons Bay that aren’t right next to a nature reserve where dogs are prohibited.
“It’s right next to a nature reserve, with no barrier, and that is a threat to any wildlife that wanders out of the reserve.
“At the very least, they need appropriate signage to alert other users of the park.”
A spokesperson from Hobsons Bay council said while there are a number of off-leash areas, owners have to stay vigilant and use common sense to keep everybody safe.
“There are 14 designated off-leash dog areas in Hobsons Bay, including at Newport Lakes,” the spokesperson said.
“Dogs in off-leash areas must always be under their owner’s control and restraint to prevent any harm or nuisance to other people or animals.
“This means the dog must be under effective voice or hand control so a leash can be applied immediately if needed.”
