‘Get rid of pets’

By Alison Noonan
LYNBROOK is set to become a petfree zone if a frustrated resident has his way.
Matthew Ridgeway has called for a ban on the keeping of all household animals in the suburb in a bid to minimise animalrelated neighbourhood disputes.
Mr Ridgeway, the founder of residents against noisy dogs website Bark Action Group, said a petition was circulating calling on Casey Council to ban dogs, cats, parrots, chickens and roosters from all homes throughout Lynbrook.
He said a segregated petfree estate would provide solace for frustrated residents at their wit’s end over barking dogs and other nuisance animals.
“This is not an attack on dog owners or the right to own a dog,” Mr Ridgeway said.
“The animals listed in the petition are animals that may be able to create a nuisance in our community by way of noise and excretion.
“They can also create nuisance problems in neighbourhood harmony and various health issues.
“I just want to see if people are interested in living in a place where no pets are allowed at all.”
Mr Ridgeway said he had been driven to the point of madness by the constant barking of a neighbour’s dog, and given the choice would jump at the chance to live in a petfree residential estate.
“Dog barking and other animal noises can be very destructive to the lives of others,” he said.
“A 60/40 residential estate may be the answer for our troubles – 60 per cent of an estate could be for those wanting pets and 40 per cent for the contrary.
“It could easily be implemented in new estates with the proper planning.
“The (areas) could be separated by a lake or park area, dividing communities to allow both to live peacefully.”
Mr Ridgeway said responsible pet owners were being let down by those who refused to comply with council’s local laws and ensure their animal did not create a nuisance in the community.
“Take a walk through Banjo Patterson Park in Lynbrook on any day and count the dog poo left by irresponsible owners,” he said.
“Responsible dog owners are being let down by fellow dog owners.
“At least in divided communities residents could walk the streets in safety without worrying about being attacked by stray dogs, they would be guaranteed a decent night’s sleep and the area would be cleaner.
“Our communities need to be able to grow with minimal disruption to one’s life.”
Mr Ridgeway said he did not expect to garner widespread support for his controversial idea, but simply wanted to encourage responsible pet ownership.
“I don’t expect this idea to come to fruition, nor do I think council will support my petition,” he said.
“This is a wakeup call for dog owners to take responsibility of their animals and make sure they don’t create a nuisance in the community.
“If any members of the public do not like the proposed changes the petition calls for, don’t sign it.
“If anybody agrees that there are some issues with the keeping of animals in our community that need addressing, contact Bark Action Group,” Mr Ridgeway said.
“I am just looking at all avenues to find a solution to this serious problem. Sometimes you have to think outside the square.”
Casey manager customer service Rob Colling said there would need to be a justifiable reason behind the council supporting a petfree estate.
He said the statistics relating to nuisance animals across Casey did not support Mr Ridgeway’s idea.
“Of 40,000 registered dogs in Casey there have been just 150 complaints about barking dogs in the last year and 200 overall,” he said.
“It is impossible to comment on the possibility of establishing petfree zones. We would need to consult with residents before making our own decision but currently there is no indication whatsoever to go that way.”