I would like express concerns over what I perceive as biased reporting in the Camden Haven Courier lobbying for dogs to be banned from Washhouse beach entirely.

The council vote on the issue I understand has been forwarded to October, I sincerely hope this creates a timeframe for the Courier to include some more articles on the opposing view to balance the perspective over the coming months.

I am aware of three so far articles against dogs being allowed on the beach and only one article that indicates supporters of dogs being allowed on the beach are 'fighting' against the protection of wildlife which is in my opinion is blatantly biased reporting.

Furthermore at the gathering to show support for dogs being allowed to walk on the beach there were at least 50-60 (as opposed to 30 reported) people there aged from young children to seniors in their 70s and 80s.

All of them desperate to continue to have access to the beach with their dogs who are indeed family members, for some older widowed locals these companion dogs are their only close family.

People who own dogs love animals and respect the environment. Many of the locals who walk along the beach pick up debris and plastics and are very concerned for the environment and consistently walk close to the water avoiding the scrublands.

The allegation implying an owl was harmed by a domestic dog had absolutely no evidence to back up the claim. Conjecture to support a viewpoint at best.

Three key points in support of residents walking dogs on the northern end of Washhouse Beach

Environmental concerns raised are unrepresentative and simplistic. The overwhelming majority of dog owners respect the nature reserve. I am unaware of data or evidence there have been more than a handful of infringement notices made by National Parks and Wildlife.

Furthermore local residents with dogs, including myself are very respectful of the environment often picking up plastics and rubbish washed ashore that could negatively impact local wildlife. This manufactured anecdote regarding the owl dumbfounds me I think much more likely a domestic or feral cat or dingo would be responsible.

Access, people with disabilities and mobility concerns especially elderly people can't access other beaches locally.

There is a huge amount of evidence based research supporting pets (dogs) having a huge impact on the physical and psychological well-being of vulnerable people. During COVID the need for people to have the opportunity to walk dogs is integral to health and well-being of residents.

Safety, the only other dog friendly beach is secluded and many women often working full time who can only walk very early or very late including myself feel unsafe walking on South Beach compared to Wash House for obvious reasons (any woman who had previously been abused or assaulted, that's one in three females) will understand what I mean .

The majority of dog owners respect the boundary to the nature reserve and this draconian attitude will cause immense suffering to many vulnerable people simply seeking the solace provided by the opportunity to walk on the beach with their companion dogs.

Ruth Reynolds, Camden Head

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