What are the worst dog issues in your area?

Published on 29 August 2024

Dogs are loved by many in the Macleay Valley but their owners aren’t making friends. Lots of complaints are made every year about bad dog owner behaviour and the particular dog issues causing concern vary from village to village. Yet it is the dog owners of South West Rocks who have the worst reputation of all. 

Stray pups

Owners who let their dogs out of their property are the number one issue across the shire, with Kempsey Shire Council’s rangers identifying stray dogs as a top complaint in nearly every village. From Bellbrook and Willawarrin to Smithtown and Gladstone strays are a major issue. If you see a stray, find out what to do at www.ksc.pub/strays

Barking in Kundabung

In Kundabung, rangers highlight complaints about barking dogs. This is also an issue that comes up a lot in Hat Head and Kempsey. If you need help dealing with nuisance barking find out more at www.ksc.pub/barking

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Frederickton is off the leash!

The dog walkers of Frederickton are upsetting their neighbours by not keeping their dogs on a leash. Also an issue in Stuarts Point, Hat Head, Crescent Head and Kempsey. Whenever your dog is outside your property or yard, it must be on a leash (or lead) and under the effective control of a competent person, except in designated off-leash zones. Information on these can be found at www.ksc.pub/offleash

Stuarts Point watch your step

Up in the north of the shire, residents are making a stink about dog poo, with too many reports of unpleasant presents being left by pups. You can freely exercise your dog in most public places as long as you clean up its droppings and put them in a red bin.  

Hat Head going wild, Creso worried for kids and bad sport Kempsey

In Hat Head, as well as Crescent Head and Kempsey, concerns are raised about dogs in Wildlife Protection areas. Dogs are prohibited from some and must be on a lead on established tracks in the others. Crescent Head meanwhile are complaining about dogs in children’s play areas – this is forbidden. And Kempsey also has issues with dogs on sports fields. Also forbidden.

South West Rocks in the dog house

Council’s rangers report that by far the most complaints around dogs come from South West Rocks. Barking, strays, off-leash dogs, dog poo and dog attacks have all been reported. Dogs are also reported in children’s play areas, sports fields and even in food consumption areas! 

As Macleay Valley’s Pawgust comes to a close, check out Council’s resources on being your best mate’s MVP at www.ksc.pub/mvp

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