IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners have raised the ire of nature lovers in Port Fairy.
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Concerned members of the public have reported that people are taking dogs onto Griffiths Island, which is off limits to pets and livestock at all times.
The island is home to a large breeding colony of short-tailed shearwaters that nest by digging burrows into the sand.
Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas said the council’s environmental unit had erected larger signs warning people not to take their dogs onto the island.
“Council local laws officers will also increase their patrols on the island,” Cr Doukas said. “The first step will be to give the owner a warning but repeat offenders face fines of $240.
“There are plenty of designated dog-walking areas around the district and we would encourage people to be responsible owners and walk their dogs somewhere more appropriate.”
Environment officer Richard Hodgens said Griffiths Island had been a restricted area since the 1970s.
“No dogs are allowed to cross the causeway, even if they are on-leash, 24 hours a day,” he said.
Under shire regulations any dog or cat found in the reserve may be destroyed and any horses or cattle impounded, but Mr Hodgens said the council would not take such a “heavy-handed” approach and would first issue warnings.
