Hermanus Times recently received a letter from a concerned reader about the municipal sign recently placed at the Mossel River entrance of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve stipulating that dogs should be kept on a leash.
“I just want to make it clear that I thought a letter of this sort may encourage better, less rude behaviour. I’d hate to be the killjoy who stopped people letting their dogs run free,” the reader stated.
He said the sign had been “altered” with some incensed dog lover having scratched the offending regulation out.
“Let’s face it, no dog owner is willingly going to follow such a rule. Bear in mind, however, that as a community we are indulging and accommodating your flouting of the law.”
According to the reader dogs usually run ahead of their owners and come across other walkers or bike riders before their owner comes into view.
“It is therefore incumbent on this stranger to make some effort to greet these dogs in a friendly way, so as not to be barked at menacingly or even attacked. It stands to reason that dog owners owe others enjoying the reserve some debt of gratitude for their cooperation. In normal circumstances this is a pleasant encounter, but unfortunately there are some dog-owners who feel entitled.”
Not for the first time, the reader had the displeasure of coming across just such a type the other day. “Having dutifully made cooing friendly noises to allay any threat her dogs may perceive, this woman saw fit neither to respond to my greeting, something civilised people customarily do when chancing upon others out in nature, nor to offer so much as a nod to acknowledge my effort in calming her hounds. Instead I was treated to a scowl of contempt as she marched ahead.
“Rest assured, if dog-owners can’t behave with even the most basic common courtesy in exchange for others indulging their rule breaking, some among us might be tempted to actively campaign for the law to be enforced.”
According to Overstrand Municipality if any person damages any property including municipal property, a charge of malicious damage to property will be laid with no fine involved.
As for dogs on leashes the Overstrand Municipality makes it clear that according to the by-law relating to the keeping of Dogs & Cats PN 6540/2008 Section 6 (2) no person may allow or cause to be allowed any dog to be in a public place unless it is kept on a leash and under control of a person.
