Jennifer Pittorino
A local resident is calling on the Maribyrnong community to keep their dogs on their leashes in the correct areas, in a plea to keep her dog safe.
Vanda Bourandas says she has never felt as unsafe walking her dog in public areas as she does now.
Born during COVID, American Bulldog Narla was never adequately trained or social with other dogs or people.
“She is a very timid and nervous dog, walking her has been a long and difficult road,” Ms Bourandas said.
“We have noticed a growing number of off leash dogs on main walking trails which I don’t have a problem with in their designated areas.
“My issue is when she encounters dogs in these areas and she gets nervous.”
Since her adoption in August, every walk with Narla is a training session and never a fun outing.
“All I am trying to do is help my dog because she has had a terrible start to life and I don’t want her to suffer later on and be victimised as a bully breed,” she said.
“We don’t want her put down because other dogs come close to her and she attacks, I am trying to be responsible and proactive.”
Along her typical walking route, the Maribyrnong walking trail, Ms Bourandas has encountered abuse from other locals when she asks them to keep their dogs on leads in lead areas.
“I have been laughed at, ignored and abused ,so I would like help from the council.”
Despite several signs in the areas depicting on and off lead areas, Ms Bourandas feels there is not enough enforcement.
“It is signposted everywhere that it is a lead area and penalties apply but people ignore that because we have never seen any enforcement down there,” she said.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said the trail is an on-lead area for dogs saying they patrol the area regularly.
“To ensure the safety of our community, council reminds all dog owners that their dog must be on a lead in all public spaces, unless the area specifically states that it is a dog off-lead area,” she said.
“While visiting an off-lead area, owners are asked to carry a lead to be able to bring their dog under effective control if the dog’s behaviour causes any person or animal to feel threatened or worried.”
