Temporary ban on dog walks lifted
A municipal worker was nipped by a dog at the Westville Scout Bowl, forcing the Parks Department to ban dogs from walking in the park.
PET owners have been warned to keep their dogs on leads at the Westville Scout Bowl, which is on the grounds of the Westville Civic Centre.
This area, which is known for dog walking, came under the spotlight following an incident during which a municipal worker was nipped by a dog at the park recently. Authorities erected three signs the following day, warning that dogs have been banned from the park.
Jean Senogles of the Westville Conservancy spotted the signs and immediately asked for them to be removed.
“Dogs have been walking in this area for the past 30 years. To have them banned now is an insult to the community of Westville. I contacted Mr Ramadeen of the Parks Department and appealed to him to please reconsider this decision. He went to the park the next day and noticed some dogs were on leads while others weren’t, but were controlled by their owners. He decided to motivate for a fence to be erected from William Lester Road, which turns down to the municipal offices, to create an official ‘dog park’,” said Senogles.
She added that she was impressed by the way Mr Ramadeen handled the situation from beginning to end. “He investigated by personally going down to the park, made a decision and moved forward,” said Senogles.
Gertrud Lomas-Walker of the Westville Conservancy said dog owners are reminded that walking dogs off leads in any public space is a privilege, not a right. She added to ensure that this over 30-year privilege in Westville continues, pet owners are urged to keep their dogs leashed – its the law.
“If you cannot control and recall your dog, keep it leashed when there are people nearby who may be subject to being bitten. The same applies to other dogs – if you don’t trust your dog, keep it leashed. Do not park and offload your dogs near the municipal offices during office hours. Park at the bottom at the (empty) pond where we have been planting a new garden. Do not walk your dogs off lead near the municipal offices and please remember to pick up your dog’s faeces – keep it as pleasant for other people as you would like to find it,” said Lomas-Walker.
Unfortunately, Mr Ramadeen refused to comment and referred the Highway Mail to the head of parks, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, who was not available for comment.
