I support the monumental ruling of the NSW Civil Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) confirming the validity of ‘no-pet’ by-laws, and acknowledge the courage of Jane Armytage in pursuing this outcome.
For so long, domestic pet owners have had scant regard for our unique and vulnerable wildlife.
In this instance, the conditions were plainly defined, but a few apparently thought that rules don’t apply to them with flagrant disregard for others in the immediate vicinity – people and wildlife.
I’m astounded by the lack of respect – or is it ignorance – of anyone who would choose to place a hostile domestic animal in the wild, as ‘hostile’ is what they become when exposed to wildlife.
There of course will be a chorus of owners saying ‘my dog doesn’t do that’, yet somebody’s dog has killed three wallabies around the South Golden Beach area in past two years (or less). ‘Not my dog!’
The point is that ‘No Dogs’ means precisely that for a number of reasons, but the main reason is to preserve our beautiful native creatures.
Cats are another story. So, if you are the owner of a domestic pet, I implore you to be responsible and respectful. Allow people and animals to enjoy the wild space without disruption by you or your pets.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
