Deep Water Point Cafe supervisor Giulia Abbate with Dolly.
Camera IconDeep Water Point Cafe supervisor Giulia Abbate with Dolly. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Cafe owners want change to dog laws

Felicity Bond, Melville TimesMelville Gazette

Cafe manager Tristan Farmer presented the petition to the City last week, urging the officers and council to abolish its local health law for the Deep Water Point reserve and allow dogs in the outdoor dining area of the restaurant.

Despite the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approving the proposal that allows dogs in outdoor dining areas around Australia last year, the City of Melville kept its local law that prohibits dogs from being off the footpath and off a lead on the reserve, which meant dogs could not be near the cafe.

Melville chief executive Shayne Silcox said Deep Water Point Reserve was prohibited to dogs and has been for over 20 years.

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‘Deep Water Point Reserve is a popular destination for recreation and leisure, being frequently visited by families for barbecues and picnics,’ he said.

‘Accordingly, the reserve was identified as being an unsuitable reserve for dogs. Point Walter Reserve is also prohibited to dogs.’

However, Mr Farmer is pleading with the local government to change the law.

‘I understand it is a popular family area and that dogs should remain on leads, but I want to allow my customers to walk down to the river and enjoy a coffee while they have their dog on a lead under the outside table,’ he said.

‘At this stage I can’t. We often have rangers warning dog owners that all pets must be on a leash and on the footpaths or they will be fined, and I want that changed.

‘Just a few streets away, dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas at the Applecross cafe strip and we want the same to occur here.’

However, the City said rangers would continue to monitor the area and warn dog owners that all pets must be on a leash and on the footpath, or a warning and $100 fine may be issued.

There is no immediate plan to change the restrictions currently in place.

Mr Farmer is calling on the local community to support the petition by contacting the City of Melville.