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NewsDogs in world takeover!
Dogs in world takeover!

Dogs in world takeover!

I don't know if it's just me, but dogs seem to be taking over the world - not just in the puppy boom of the pandemic but also in signs of an even more canine future.

Hounds are now turning up in places they've never been allowed before, such as plane seats, courts, strata blocks and even beaches.

As a dog owner and lover of most breeds, I wonder about those who don't share these feelings, especially those with cynophobia — a fear of dogs.

In case you missed it, Monday was World Animal Day, and hundreds of pets were blessed by a priest in a drive-through event in Manila.

dogs in world takeover

It might look a little crazy, but it is nothing compared to the invasion of parks and open spaces by proud owners and pets strutting their stuff.

As with so much else these days it's blamed on the lockdowns and dogs are proven to be a plus for our mental health. But as the restrictions ease, the four-legged friends show no sign of retreating.

Compared to say Europe, Australia has tended to keep dogs in their place - often outside. But just as dogs have inveigled their way into some people's beds, they are also barking at previously closed doors.

It was reported in June a strict ban on animals in plane cabins could be relaxed. "It's not 100 per cent simple but what we're saying from a rules point of view is as long as the safety rules are ticked off, we're not going to get in the way of it," said a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

In many US states and also in Australia, 'support' dogs, also called canine court companions, often Labradors, are allowed in courts to help relieve stress.

In August, new laws in NSW put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata units even if the residents had voted against them. Pets can be excluded but only due to limited grounds such as damage, noise or smell.

Dogs' access to beaches has always been a vexed issue. Yet of late, I have seen more of them being walked along the shore in early mornings regardless of lifeguards putting up flags. Have you seen the same?

In time we may see dogs in cafes and restaurants and even (as is unremarkable in other countries) on buses and trains. There are even dog-friendly open-air cinemas.

I repeat, I'm a dog lover but appreciate not everyone shares our views.

What do you think? Is it a long-overdue change improving dogs' access to more of the human world, or will it be fraught with problems?

PS: You might have missed it as I did, but last Friday, Oct 1, was the United Nation's mandated International Day of Older Persons.

It's been on the global calendar since 1991, but there are so many days of this and that - it's easy to miss. The topic is right on the money Digital Equity for all ages.

Any information contained in this communication is general advice, it does not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs.

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Brian
Brian from NSW commented:

I used to be a 'dog-lover', having owned several over many of my younger years. However, over more recent times I have been turned off them by irresponsible and inconsiderate owners who have little regard for the disruptive behaviour they allow their dogs to cause and the negative impact it has on others. Many of such owners seem to think that people are there for the convenience of their dogs. Rules and mandatory training for being to able to own a dog should be introduced and laws against the irresponsible owners need to be tightened and actively enforced. 

martin
martin from QLD commented:

As far as dogs are concerned, they should be banned from suburbia! Along with loud exhausts on cars and motorbikes, they are a huge noise problem. Not to mention defecating all over lawns and beaches. Its even worse if you are trying to enjoy a cup of coffee in a pleasant outdoor setting, and along comes a sniffing, yapping, smelly annoying dog! And really, how much does a dog spend in Bunnings anyway? 

Karen
Karen from NSW commented:

I am so over the arrogant, selfish and abusive dog owners who think everyone should accept their pets wherever and whenever they choose to take them. The abuse of parks and other areas that have rules about dog-on-leash are ignored and dogs running free and annoying others at will. I have been accosted regularly by these animals whose owners have absolutely no regard for anyone else. I can no longer walk through the park near me without having to dodge a multitude of uncontrolled animals. I don't care that the owner says "its OK they are friendly". Its NOT OK. Likewise the change in rules allowing dogs in units. I moved into my block of 12 and there were no animals. Now there are 5 units with dogs. They are mostly quiet although one likes barking, but the common areas are now so full of mud and sand you could grow potatoes in the carpet. And one of them is so stinky it permeates the entire building yet the owner is totally oblivious. And don't get me started on those owners who think a 20m leash is ok even in crowded areas. So many times I have been nearly tripped up because the owner is not in control and too busy looking at their mobile phone to care what their dog is up to. And no I don't blame the dog. The owners should never have been allowed to have it in the first place given they are incapable of looking after them. Dogs are not 'fur-babies' - they are animals and should be given the respect they as animals deserve not used as surrogate children. If you want a child have a child don't inflict your selfishness on a dog. Working from home for the last almost 2 years the number of dogs allowed to interrupt meetings and the expectation that all other attendees will think it is cute is simply nauseating. The thought that we may have to put up with dogs in the workplace when we return to the office fills me with horror! 

Someone
Someone from VIC replied to Karen:

PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE🙏🏼🙌🏻🙌🏼🙏🏻 NEVER OWN AN ANIMAL‼️🚫🛑 

Maria
Maria from VIC commented:

I am a dog lover! I love the idea of including our four legged friends in our lives. But I do believe dog need to be well trained and respect other peoples boundaries! They do bring us so much joy! Love to take her on holiday with us too! More dog friendly places needed! 

Someone
Someone from NSW commented:

I agree dogs have taken over the world. It’s wrong to allow dogs in apartments, not only dirty but constant barking is extremely annoying for other people to endure. It is also annoying to other patrons when dogs are at cafes etc. Not very sanitary and again disrespectful of others. Safety at beaches should be paramount - children and adults are at risk of dog attack and quite frankly no one can enjoy a day at the beach with dogs peeing on their belongings and doing ‘poo’ on the sand. Dogs in the water can also increase the chance of shark attack. Councils should create enclosed dedicated dog parks where people can take their dogs and allow them to run free there. Dogs in the country are great but there are too many cooped up the cities and this is causing angst within the community. There needs to be some commonsense - parks, beaches, restaurants, apartments are for humans to enjoy in safety. Regards, Janice 

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