BY ISABEL EVERETT
A Two-year-old golden retriever has become Newcastle Council's newest recruit, aiming to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.
Bella has been joining the Rangers for patrols along Bathers Way between Merewether and Bar beaches, and Lambton Park.
She's also visited the popular fenced off-leash dog park at Acacia Avenue Reserve, North Lambton, which was opened in 2019 following community feedback.
“During these patrols Rangers engage with dog owners to educate people about being responsible pet owners.
“When Bella’s with us during patrols we’ve found people are more willing to engage and have a conversation with the Ranger team.”
Newcastle has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the State, with more than 44,300 registered canines calling the local government area home.
Lord
Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s Dogs in Open Space Plan will guide the management of dog off-leash areas during the next 10
years.
“We know that dog owners want suitable spaces to exercise their dogs safely, and work is underway to progress the development of strategically located fenced dog parks such as our Acacia Avenue facility,” Cr Nelmes said.
When
Bella’s not on official duty she spends her down time with her owner and
colleague Allan, who has been working with the Ranger team for the past nine
months.
Lauren said Bella’s
trial with the team had been such a success they were looking at making her an
official Ranger later this month and were currently finalising her position
description and calculating how many dog biscuits per hour her role would
entail.
