Update
Sutherland Shire council has posted a new warning sign about ticks at the entrance to off-leash dog park at Barden Ridge.
The council is also looking at short and long term measures to combat the problem, including spraying and clearing more native vegetation.
The sign was erected on Monday after complaints from pet owners at the official opening of the facility on Saturday.
The council said signs warning of ticks and other dangers were in place before the opening (see new photo in gallery).
“Ticks are common in bush areas right across the eastern seaboard and are particularly prevalent at this time of year, especially after rain,” a spokeswoman said.
“Tick prevention and treatment starts with pet owners and council encourages people to ask their vet if they require information or advice about their pets health and safety.”
The spokeswoman said the new facility was in a bushland setting, where naturally occurring risks such as ticks, snakes and spiders existed.
Signs warning of these risks “were installed and have been visible at both entry points” prior to its opening, she said.
The spokeswoman said the council had since installed additional signage pointing “more specifically to those naturally occurring risks”.
”Council is looking into both short and long term options for reducing the prevalence of ticks at the site and spray treatments are only an interim solution that are untried in open spaces,” she said.
“The design of the bush park was based on providing behavioural enrichment and exercise for dogs, with a pedestrian path (free of steps) allowing users to navigate the upper portion of the site with ease.
“This site complements council’s other dog off leash areas which provide a diverse range of exercise play spaces for the benefit of dog owners.
“Following community consultation in 2014, ‘space for free running’ and ‘trees and clumps of bushes’ were two features identified as key for dog enjoyment, however, clearing more of the existing native vegetation within the perimeter is something that council is reviewing, subject to further environmental impact assessments.
“Any additional embellishments to the site will be considered following user feedback over the coming 6-12 months.
Earlier
It wasn’t just the mayor, other councillors and about 20 dogs and their owners, who turned up for the opening of a new off-leash dog park at Barden Ridge on Saturday.
Ticks were also present in large numbers in the bushland setting – and pet owners were not happy.
Alfords Point resident Denise Oliver contacted the Leader, calling for a warning sign to be erected and the area, which is within The Ridge Sports Complex, to be thoroughly sprayed.
Ms Oliver and her husband Larry took their kelpie Jedda to the opening, while their friend Jason Bourke took Moose, a Shar Pei.
“Everyone was brushing for ticks, and people were lining up later for the vet,” Ms Oliver said.
Other owners expressed views on Sutherland Shire Council’s Facebook page.
One post read: “I was there yesterday and every person and every dog got covered in ticks within minutes, as much as another dog park is needed this location is not good.”
Another read: “Much needed park but unfortunately I don’t think many will use it now due to the humans and dogs covered with ticks.”
One owner took a different view, writing, “Ticks and their prevention are an owner’s responsibility. Nobody should have to tell you that if you you’re in a bush natural environment that your dog (or you) might get one.”
The council warned about ticks on its Facebook page before the official opening.
“It is a bush park and within the area there are naturally occurring risks such as ticks,” the council said.
Ms Oliver, in her email to the Leader, said:
“Amid the fanfare, and while pollies were back-slapping, dog owners were horrified as ticks were attacking their pets.
“This was brought to the attention of council members, who seemed nonplussed as what to do about the problem.”
”Firstly, I suggest a warning sign must go up immediately.
“Then, council workers can clear all the bush and scrub and then a good spray of the whole area.
“Until it is declared free from ticks no one will use it.”
Ms Oliver also suggested the council should buildi some play equipment for dogs like jumps and bridges.
