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Mosman Park dog owner claims rangers hide in bushes and film dog walkers before handing out fines

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

A MOSMAN Park dog walker claims a ranger has been standing in bushes and videotaping them before handing out fines for allegedly not having the pets on leads.

Karen Markov received three fines of $200 each for allegedly not having her dogs on leads, having no collar with its registration on the dog and failing to give her name and address.

“The next thing I noticed was a very large man coming towards me, and it was a ranger, who was overpowering and intimidating,” Ms Markov said about being fined near Minim Cove about 8am on August 16.

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“I was shocked he was videotaping me.”

An elderly woman who did not wish to be named said a ranger was in bushes before she was given two fines of $250 for having her dogs allegedly off their leads near riverside Tom Perrott Reserve in an incident before Ms Markov was fined.

“He was standing in a bush, and he stopped me and said ‘are those your dogs?” the woman said.

This week, Ms Markov said she checked the river path was clear for her unleashed, microchipped dog, had given her maiden name, and alleged the ranger had given no identification or justification for the fines.

She said two signs further east on the footpath indicated fines were $100, and she and other dog owners would question the ranger’s actions at the council’s meeting tomorrow

Mosman Park Mayor Ron Norris met Ms Markov last Wednesday.

“Certainly there are some very concerning stories emerging,” Mr Norris said.

He said rangers filmed “most encounters” with dog owners for evidence.

Ms Markov’s appeal against the fines would be considered by the chief executive officer he said, and a problem with the signs would sorted out as soon as possible.