Dog curfew idea howled down

ROCKHAMPTON'S Karen Russell has got dog owners barking after calling for a morning curfew on people walking their pooches.

The Wandal resident is fed up with being woken before 6am by neighbourhood dogs that get stirred up by early morning dog walkers.

She said Rockhampton Regional Council should consider changing local laws.

However, her controversial suggestion has not been supported by dog owner Kylie Harte.

Ms Harte, along with daughter Olivia (pictured) own pet dog Sarah.

Ms Harte said the dogs in her street barked at anything during the day and night.

“Every house in my neighbourhood has a dog but barking doesn't disturb us or keep the kids up,” she said.

“Dogs only bark for a while and once the other dog has gone, they stop barking.”

Chair of council's Health and Regulatory Committee Councillor Tony Williams said Karen's suggestion for a council by-law for dog walkers would be difficult for council to police.

“In my opinion it would probably be impractical but it is something that council could look at and I am willing to discuss the issue further with her and bring it up at a council meeting to see what comes of it,” he said.

Councillor Williams said it would be difficult to implement, as Rockhampton was a hotter environment and people liked to get out early.

Karen suggested there should be a council by-law to prevent people walking their dogs before 7am.

“People are hesitant to mow their lawns before 7am because there is a by-law in place which makes them cautious, because you can get into trouble with noise complaints,” she said.

Karen said she also had a special needs daughter who had trouble sleeping.

“People just need to consider other people,” she said.

A council spokesperson said there had been five complaints of dog barking per month across the whole Rockhampton region.