'I froze when I saw them': Dangerous act mum is sick of seeing at kids' playgrounds
By Amy Lyall|
I've got an 18-month-old daughter, so we're regulars at the playground these days จC and I've noticed something lately that I'm getting absolutely sick of.?
It's not kids running around without parents watching them, it's not rubbish or anything taking over the equipment, it's people bringing dogs into playground areas and, even worse, letting them off leash.?
Last week, we headed down to our local park to burn some energy off in the afternoon. There was a man there with his two kids and their big dog just running through the playground.?
I froze when I saw them, only because I didn't really know what to do.?
READ MORE: 'Only thing that changed': Why Nicky and Paris' bond shifted
The man had no lead for the dog, so I knew telling him to tie it up wasn't going to happen and instead, tried to keep my daughter away from patting it.?
But here's the thing, I shouldn't have to feel like we can't enjoy an area - made for her - or be on edge the whole time because someone decided to bring their dog in and let it run free.?
It's not the first time I've seen it either, it's happening more and more and I'm not alone in it.
I've seen posts in local Facebook groups and spoken to other mums who are seeing it too and I'm so sick of it.?
Now, I will just start by saying that I have a dog, and she is a big part of our family, but she doesn't get to come to the playground and run around จC because it's not safe and it's also against the law.?
READ MORE: Celebrity chef's emotional tribute after legendary Aussie mum dies
According to the Companion Animals Act of NSW dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of children's play areas, but frankly, I keep seeing more and more of it.?
"Oh but my dog is friendly!" people say.?
That's great, but it doesn't give you permission to put other people in an uncomfortable, or potentially dangerous situation because of it and Dr Katrina Warren agrees.?
"There seems to be more and more off leash dogs everywhere at the moment," she told 9Honey Parenting.?
"I'm not sure why councils aren't cracking down on them in areas that are public spaces, like at playgrounds, and I'm surprised we haven't seen more incidents."
She noted that there are a couple of big issues with this, which is what makes it so dangerous when people bring dogs into play areas.?
READ MORE: A simple dog game can prevent deadly condition
"There's the issue that children are unpredictable, they can scream and run and have unpredictable movements and they also don't have the understanding that we have about caution around animals, so there's the danger there," Dr Katrina explained.?
"And then many dogs are boisterous and can easily knock a young child over, dogs in children's play areas just don't mix. It's dangerous for both children and dogs if it's not properly managed."?
She noted it is "frustrating" because children and dogs should both be able to enjoy outdoor areas, but it needs to be done in a way that's safe for everyone.?
"Also, you should never assume that everybody loves dogs, you might love dogs, but don't assume that people are comfortable around dogs," she added.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
