Dogs on the Southern Ranges (in the SW WHA)

[tasadam]

Well, I envisage it being $2400 x 2 dogs x 4 people = $19,200. Seems about right to me.

Or perhaps also x8 days (their suspected registration entry) = $153,600

I like the way you think

[Michael_Kingston]

Hi Ollster - while I like the idea - unfortunately I don't know if it would quite make $153K!!

The regulations state that it is the owner who is to be fined for either bringing or allowing the dog to be brought onto Park Land. I doubt all four of them would be owners and even if two of them were registered as owners the law would almost certainly consider them as 'one' in this case. Also, the regulations don't make it a further offence to stay in a Park for more than a certain period. So I am pretty certain that $2400 is the most you could go for per dog, a total of $4 800.

That would be enough to hurt most people in the hip pocket, unless of course it was Paris Hilton walking the Southern Ranges (but I doubt that is the case as you make no mention of the dogs being carried in a hand bag).

[tastrax]

For all those wondering about the legal ramifications of bringing a dog into a National Park, ......
Penalty:

Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.[/b]

The current value of a penalty unit under the Penalty Units and Other Penalties Act 1987 is $120. Therefore, the maximum fine for bringing dogs into a National Park is $2400.

Alas ... that is the maximum fine... a magistrate, who may be more sympathetic than us, may just slap them on the wrist or only impose a 1 unit fine

Recent examples of wood hookers getting a fine of less than the value of the trailer load of wood they nicked doesn't help the cause.

[Michael_Kingston]

Quite right Phil - it is upto 20 penalty units. And a magistrate might not think it is that serious in the scheme of things. After all, most people only get a $300-500 fine for a first low range drink drive offence.

[ollster]

FYI - I have had a response back from my contact at Parks. Parks are quite interested in chasing this up, so if anyone else saw these jokers, or even gets a sniff of someone who did, please let me know.

There was at least one group behind us, so I am hoping someone knows them.

[Michael_Kingston]

Good to hear they are taking it seriously.

[Nuts]

Yes, this should be interesting...

[PeterJ]

There are always selfish idiots who will insist on ruining things for everyone else. The last time I was at South Cape Bay a group of two adults and two kids walked in and sat up on the rocks above the beach - when we returned the kids (presumably) had scratched their names into the rocks - ..............

This graffiti was on the rocks near the exit at the top of the cliffs at South Cape Bay April 2009. Perhaps the same people.

[PeterJ]

ollster, Stu Bowling and aljscott with regard to your encounter with the people and dogs on the Southern Ranges, my comment is that some people really are just totally selfish and think that they can do whatever they like. I say publish the photos and shame them and encourage PWS to prosecute. If you (the witnesses) are not willing to go the the media, then at least put the photos and any other details on the forum and I reckon someone will soon alert the media as to where to look to get the story.

Go for them.

[geoskid]

Some people really are just totally selfish and think that they can do whatever they like. I say publish the photos and shame them and encourage PWS to prosecute. If you (the witnesses) are not willing to go the the media, then at least put the photos and any other details on the forum and I reckon someone will soon alert the media as to where to look to get the story.

Go for them.

Peter, this is not meant to be as frivolous as it may seem, but replace that photo with Aboriginal Art and then re-read your comments. It's a cultural and time thing SURELY. - meant for discussion only.

[PeterJ]

Peter, this is not meant to be as frivolous as it may seem, but replace that photo with Aboriginal Art and then re-read your comments. It's a cultural and time thing SURELY. - meant for discussion only.

I am afraid you have completely lost me here. The photo in my first post has nothing to do with my second post (which I have now amended to make that clear). As far as I can see you are quoting the text from one post to relate it to a photo in another post (or am I not understanding you)?

In any case I just don't like to see nor would condone someone writing their name on natural features, or for that matter on buildings in cities etc.

[ollster]

Yeah, he's lost me too...

I am going to publish the photo, they deserve whatever they get. I'm just relying on others to get it to me at the moment (yes, still). I would have done it by now if it was in my possession.

[geoskid]

Peter, this is not meant to be as frivolous as it may seem, but replace that photo with Aboriginal Art and then re-read your comments. It's a cultural and time thing SURELY. - meant for discussion only.

I am afraid you have completely lost me here. The photo in my first post has nothing to do with my second post (which I have now amended to make that clear). As far as I can see you are quoting the text from one post to relate it to a photo in another post (or am I not understanding you)?

In any case I just don't like to see nor would condone someone writing their name on natural features, or for that matter on buildings in cities etc.

Ah .yes , I beg your Pardon, my mistake

[geoskid]

In any case I just don't like to see nor would condone someone writing their name on natural features, or for that matter on buildings in cities etc.

Nor do I . How do you see it as any different from Aboriginal Art? Surely it is a Cultural and Time lapse thing. You need to think about this.

[ollster]

Oh, I see. Noting that Aboriginal Art could be considered the same as the defacement of natural scenes with graffiti, as in the above picture? Devil's advocate, eh?

[geoskid]

Exactly Ollster - anyone want to tackle it?

[ollster]

Exactly Ollster - anyone want to tackle it?

If it was a private conversation I'd be in like Flynn, but as Charlton Heston said... "Political correctness is tyranny with manners", and starting that kind of discussion is just asking for trouble.

[geoskid]

Yes you are probably right (unfortunately), - but back on thread "WHO let the dogs out"?

[Drifting]

Having worked in law enforcement, I'd expect it to be a slap on the wrist with a wet noodle and a surly look from the judge, followed by a hug to make it feel better.

[Deb]

Slightly off topic as not dogs exactly, but still bizarre at the time. When we walked the South Cape Bay track about 2 years ago we stopped along the track and were overtaken by another group which included a girl with a pet cockatiel sitting on her shoulder. Our comment to others in our group at the time was "I didn't think domestic animals were allowed in National Parks?" We thought it quite funny although rather strange at the time. How the bird wasn't blown clean away I'm not sure as it was really windy when we walked down to the beach. She must have tucked it under her jumper as we later spotted them sitting on rocks, cockateil included. I guess the point is, rules are rules and some people just choose to ignore them. I wonder which family pet will accompany her on her next walk?

[Drifting]

A pet cockatiel? That is really bizarre.

[tasadam]

People just don't realize that one reason they should be kept out is disease. I'm sure there are heaps of examples where domestic animals have diseases that are not present in the wild. I'm no bird expert, but the cockatiel is one example where diseases could be spread.

[Michael_Kingston]

It wasn't a Norwegian Blue by any chance?

[ollster]

People just don't realize that one reason they should be kept out is disease. I'm sure there are heaps of examples where domestic animals have diseases that are not present in the wild. I'm no bird expert, but the cockatiel is one example where diseases could be spread.

We pointed this out [disease] to the dog ladies, and they claimed "that's just your opinion" (this was their default response to any glimpses of sanity presented to them). A charming, and deeply thoughtful, attitude.

Incidentally, I nicknamed the dogs "Parvo" and "Nematode".

[stu]

I felt sorry for the poor little dogs & gave the little fellas a pat; it wasn't their fault they were being dragged along by a couple of twit heads.

After seeing them camped at the start of Kameruka Morraine the next day we all wondered if they would get much further (this was the 38+ degree day);
the descent off PB not to mention the 6-7 km wade along New River would have been punishing for them (the dogs that is).
Ultra marathon doggy paddle should not be a forced event!

I hope they get caught & get more than a wet noodle across the back of their hands, tho as others have mentioned, I doubt it.

Sad state of affairs

[ollster]

OK, have pics. The photographers had to be fairly subtle to catch them, so the pics aren't the best.

As you can see 2 dogs with backpacks.

[tas-man]

Ollister, can you upload the photos at higher resolution, or add some enlarged/cropped sections of the "certain parties"

[ollster]

Possibly tomorrow, these were sent to me via email, and the originals are too big to email. I'll crop/zoom them. I have asked for the high res versions.

[sirius Tas]

Did anyone get the rego # back at Cockle Creek??? I would hate to think that they are Tasmanian walkers treating our forest/wildlife with such scant regard. I sincerely hope PWS do follow this up and prosecute if possible otherwise the message will be 'do what ever you like with impunity'. I agree with you 'Stu'...definitely can't blame the poor dogs as they're just being dragged/cajoled along with the TWITS. Just imagine the logistics of carrying enough extra food to feed them over a prolonged walk....it's almost hard to believe. I don't believe the potential fines are anywhere near harsh enough as there would be quite a few people who would be willing to pay up if and when they ever were prosecuted???

[ollster]

Did anyone get the rego # back at Cockle Creek??? I would hate to think that they are Tasmanian walkers treating our forest/wildlife with such scant regard.

Nah, far too hard to tell from the dozens of cars at CC, unless someone observed them leaving (see below, sneaky *&^%$#!). As noted, there was a car at the track start with dog toys inside and QLD plates/RACV sticker. This correlates with the "Vic party of 4 departing 27th Dec" in the registration book that we made note of to Parks.

FYI, latest from Parks, emailed 12/1:

"Hi [ollster]

Many thanks for these. We did have another confirmed sighting on the Sth Coast track a few days later deducing from information we believe they left the park very early 6.00am approx on Monday morning.

Again thanks for the pics. I have forwarded onto our senior ranger and ranger in charge of this report.

I will keep you posted as any information comes to hand."