Your Dog(s) – Your Responsibility
I very much regret having to write to you all on this matter but dog control at the Club premises has been a matter of serious concern for many years. Unfortunately, interim measures put in place by the Club Council to improve the situation have not worked as complaints continue to be received. The Council, after review, has decided that to do nothing further, would mean the issue of dog fouling and dogs not under control would continue, and that this is not acceptable.
The Council has a responsibility to run the Club for the peaceful enjoyment and benefit of all members. The problem of dog fouling is also compounded by the “dogs dangerously out of control” legislation. A dog not on a lead could easily be classed as out of control. This alone means the Council has to protect the Club by having a dogs on leads policy, to ensure we are doing all we can in this respect. We are not alone in operating such arrangements, and you will find several other marinas do the same.
Ideally, this policy requires everyone’s co-operation with its enforcement. You may choose to report offenders to Council members, or you may wish to speak to the offender directly in the first instance. You can be assured that if you report an incident, you will have the full support of Council. Abuse, antisocial behaviour, and rudeness will not be tolerated, and will only serve to compound the problem for the offender. What we cannot do is offer anonymity, as the offence will need to be substantiated with a statement and/or photographic evidence.
You may wish to overlook an infringement; this is up to the individual member, and again you will have the support of Council.
I will outline the policy that will conform to the Club’s revised bye law, that has been agreed by Council:
If you have a dog on the Club premises, including when close to your moored boat, you will need to ensure it is secured on a lead and under control at all times. This means the dog’s lead will need to be kept short, whether in your control or tethered close to you.
Exceptions to this will only be when:
- Your dog is on your boat; or, in your vehicle;
- You are at a mooring, accessing, or egressing a boat, allowing you to safely get your dog on or off the boat;
- Your dog is being supervised in the designated ‘exercise area’ at the Club premises;
Generally, dog faeces must be cleared up immediately, and disposed of, OFF SITE.
If you are reported and found to have infringed Club rules, you will receive a letter from Council reminding you of your responsibilities, and the Club rules. If there is reason to write to you again for the same infringement in the following 12 months, you will be expected to make a representation to Council, for consideration and in relation to your future Club membership.
If Council does not agree with your argument or you choose not to make a representation, it is possible that this could lead to termination of your membership, in accordance with the Club’s Articles of Association.
I thank you in advance for your co-operation towards ensuring that the Club premises are enjoyed by all members. A copy of this letter will be in the members’ next newsletter, in the signing-in hut and on the Club website for future reference.
Regards – David Washington (Commodore) : Date 9th November 2024