Dog ban goes before council

A debate over whether dogs should be allowed in Rockingham al fresco dining areas has spilled over into council chambers, with Rockingham City Council health officers now recommending a policy change.

The issue was reported in the Sound Telegraph i n December last year, when Palm Beach resident Rose Henry questioned the council’s policy that bans dogs from cafes’ al fresco dining areas.

Since then, following a number of submissions from residents asking for a review of the council’s health policy, council offers have proposed an amendment that would allow dogs in outdoor eating areas.

The council’s planning committee members voted on the issue at its meeting last week, but councillor Brian Warner was left alone in his support for the change, with the committee voting three against one not to amend the policy.

The matter was referred to the February 22 council meeting for voting on by councillors.

Ahead of the meeting, Ms Henry said she was glad that the issue was being reconsidered, but feared it would still be placed in the ‘‘too hard basket’’.

‘‘I’m asking them to change the law to make i t more sustainable and efficient for everybody,’’ she said.

Ms Henry said she would abide by any conditions placed on allowing dogs in al fresco d i n i n g a r e a s i f t h e recommendations were passed, but believed the council needed to take some initiative.

‘‘They’ve got to have regulations and standards to keep everybody happy, but I don’t think it should be a no go zone,’’ she said.

In December, Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the council had no plans to allow dog owners to take their pets to outdoor eating areas.

‘‘The council has no plans to review its local laws in regards to this issue,’’ he said.

The outcome of the council meeting was not known when the Sound Telegraph went to press.