DOGS are in with a sniff of returning to Frankston’s city centre after councillors narrowly voted to fully investigate reversing a 20-year ban.
Council officers will prepare a full report on overturning a ban on canines in Frankston’s central streets after a four-three vote at last Monday’s public council meeting.
Frankston mayor Cr Sandra Mayer has led the pack in pushing the ban reversal despite not being a dog owner herself.
Cr Mayer said “other people” had asked her to raise the dogs ban on their behalf.
“I have been approached on more than one occasion to undertake a review regarding council’s policies around banning dog access into Frankston’s city centre – to help drive up foot traffic for local business at a time that we have a high vacancy rate.”
Some councillors at last week’s meeting urged caution about allowing dogs back into central Frankston due to the potential for dog attacks and irresponsible dog owners not cleaning up after their pets.
“I don’t own a dog but I love dogs,” Cr Glenn Aitken said.
“As much as I like dogs … I think that bringing dogs into the city centre is very much a backwards step. There will be a number of people who will be responsible, as they always are … the fact is not everyone is as well mannered.”
Cr Suzette Tayler also had reservations about overturning the ban.
“I think we’re opening ourselves up to a lot of things that may take place in the CAD [central activity district] if we allow dogs. We’re not a country town … we’re a city and I don’t think it’s appropriate to have dogs in the CAD,” she said.
Cr Colin Hampton believed “lots of people and dogs on a leash will mix [and] some people are terrified of dogs.”
Cr Aitken noted “there are people who will bring in large cross breed dogs into the city centre that have not been properly trained to socialise with other dogs … or be around other people”.
However, Cr Rebekah Spelman condemned apparent prejudice about particular breeds.
“It’s dog racism to say crossbreeds are more dangerous,” she said.
“Most people make sure their dogs are well behaved [and] clean up after their dogs.”
The mayor said most dog attacks in Frankston were carried out by Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Information requested from council by The Times reveals there have been ten dog attacks reported in the city centre over the past three years.
There are just over 20,000 dogs registered with council.
Cr Mayer admitted the proposal to reverse the dogs ban had split the community.
“I don’t think I expected quite a strong reaction and I’ve learnt that the hard way.”
Cr James Dooley had no qualms about welcoming dogs back to central Frankston.
“People get happy when they’re around dogs and we want happy people so let’s bring dogs back into the city and make everyone happy,” he said.
Crs Aitken, Hampton and Tayler voted against investigating a ban reversal while crs Dooley, Mayer, Spelman and Darrel Taylor backed the move.
Officers will now report back to council later this year before a final decision is made.
