Broome move to protect horses
By-laws are changing in Broome after a dog attacked a racehorse being exercised on Cable Beach.
As revealed by the Broome Advertiser on June 19, terrified filly Poco was chased into the water after throwing her rider, who escaped with minor injuries.
The Broome Turf Club reacted angrily, saying the Pearl Coast racing season bolstered the town's economy and demanded protection for horses being ridden from stables at the race track across the road to Gantheaume Point.
The BTC said it had reports of other attacks on racehorses.
The WA Dog Act 1976 allows local governments to specify areas in which dogs can be exercised, and the Shire of Broome has traditionally designated an area of Cable Beach near Gantheaume Point, extending for 2km north of the beach access ramp.
Changes to the law will mean dogs must be kept on leashes in this area between May 1 and August 31 each year, from 5.30am to 10am on weekdays.
The rest of the time, dogs can be let off the leash and exercised, but must still be kept under control at all times by a competent person carrying a leash who is able to attach it if required.
The change will come into effect on August 1 and will be enforced by council rangers.
Those not controlling their dogs will face a $200 fine.
In the meantime, Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said the council was embarking on a community education campaign asking dog owners to co-operate and comply with the new requirement.
"Council realises this is a very popular area for the town's many dog owners, but it has also traditionally been used to train horses during the annual race round," he said.
"Dog owners need to keep in mind that an attack can be against a person or another animal, and can take the form of a physical attack or just threatening behaviour by their dog, with fines of up to $400."
Mr Campbell said as Broome grew and the beaches became busier, it had become necessary to introduce new regulations to try to prevent incidents between dogs and horses.
"Council has sought to protect horses and their handlers while … providing adequate areas for dog owners, and we believe this measure achieves that balance," he said.
Broome Turf Club manager Doug Milner said it was a good commonsense decision that would protect the horses, riders and the general public.
"We are very happy with the result and hopefully the community won't feel as though they are being imposed upon," he said.
"I don't think this will have a big impact on people given the time of the morning at this particular beach and those … affected by it do have other choices whereas the horses don't."
Mr Milner said he understood the beach was heritage-listed as a horse exercise area.
A horse trainer, who did not wish to be named, said from the beach last Thursday morning that the problem had apparently rectified itself.
"It was just a minority making things difficult, but since the story appeared in the paper, they have not come back," he said.
