By Matthew Sims
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong sporting clubs have reminded dog owners to always clean up after their dogs.
Newport Storm vice president Ahmad Elhawli said the club have encouraged residents to always carry a dog bag and clean up after their dogs at A.W. Bond Reserve in Altona North.
“The dog droppings left behind have caused issues for many of our younger players who accidently step in the droppings and has caused a few of them to slip,” he said.
“If we all do our part, we can ensure the facilities and grounds remain safe and clean for the young football participants and all visitors.
“Staff at the club are constantly required to pick up dog droppings to ensure a safe and clean playing environment.”
Mr Elhawli said all visitors should ensure they leave the park in the same condition.
“The droppings are unfortunately scattered along the pitch and also around club facilities,” he said.
“We’d just encouraging dog owners using the park to do the right thing.”
Yarraville Seddon Football Club secretary Lincoln Attersall said he discovered about three droppings on average on Yarraville Oval each week.
“I’m a dog owner myself and I find this very frustrating,” he said.
“Prior to the start of games, someone needs to do an official ‘ground inspection’ for insurance purposes.
“As volunteers, we have so much to get done to prepare for matches.”
Council’s animal management officers regularly patrol the many streets, reserves and beaches within the municipality and manage a variety of issues and offences as they are detected, including dog litter offences.
Under the local law, dog owners can be fined $200 if they are not carrying a litter bag, do not pick up after their dog or do not have their dog on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area.
Councils provide dog litter bags as a convenience for dog owners throughout the municipalities.
Details: customerservice@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About-us/Make-a-request
