ARE PET RESTRICTIONS BECOMING RIDICULOUS?

An email from a passionate CM reader and pet owner prompted memories of my contacts with frustrated travellers who complained that their four legged companions were lock out of caravan parks and national parks.

I must confess from the outset that I too are an animal lover and share their concerns. The biggest puzzle for me is to why access to National Parks is prohibited to dog owners even though they may have a vet’s certificate to prove their dog has been desexed.

Some travellers have said that domestic animals droppings can have an adverse effect on native animals but what if the owners keep them in a fenced area and religiously clean up after them?

A responsible owner of a desexed animal, fenced at camp or on a leash – surely there can’t be any harm in this. This is a long simmering topic that needs to be seriously discussed in the interest of giving pet owners a fair go and also to recognise the real concerns of caravan park owners and National Parks staff.

Yes, it’s too often the case that those who do not do the right thing are giving all pet owners a bad reputation, but is it OK to discriminate against responsible pet owners or is it a case of not enforcing basic rules of pet management?

It’s ludicrous! Should we be now banning young children from caravan parks and national parks because they cry too loud? If you ask me – I think it’s another case of National Parks locking out instead of correct campsite management.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this subject – let your opinions be known by contacting us at [email protected] or leave your comments below. If you care about this subject and want the community to know – press the Facebook share button on the left.

With more and more of us hitting the road with our pets, I think the current rules need to be re-assessed.