Council rangers will be out and about at some of our Shire's most popular dog off-lead beaches this weekend conducting patrols and inviting people to come and have a chat.
"We're increasing our presence in a range of public spaces around the Shire and want to let the community know that they can expect to see our enforcement and education rangers out and about and set up with information during the week and on weekends," Council's Manager Public and Environmental Services, Sarah Nagel said.
"The increased presence and resourcing is a result of the new Dogs in Public Spaces Strategy which is about balancing the needs of everyone who uses our parks and public spaces, as well as protecting our environment," she said.
"People can come and talk to us about dog exercise areas, how to report incidents to Council, microchipping and a range of general pet information.
"In coming months, we will be improving our signage and information about the rules and regulations for dog ownership and where they can and cannot go in the Byron Shire, and where you need to have them on a lead or risk a fine.
"We have new maps on our website and town-specific maps are coming soon and we will be getting this information out through a new dog on-lead/off-lead guide, campaigns and via Council's website and social media," Ms Nagel said.
Council rangers will be patrolling the following areas and will be set up at the following locations:
Saturday
- Brunswick Heads (grassed area near the Surf Club and South Beach Lane).
Sunday
- Byron Bay Main Beach (near the Peace Pole).
- Suffolk Park (on-lead dog beach).
