PETS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Our animal companions are our responsibility, as is the care and protection of our beach, bush land and street scene. We would like our furry friends to enjoy the outdoors as much as we do ourselves, and there are also certain commonsense precautions which allow the native creatures to be protected from our pets.
Your pet and Manly Council: Registering your pet
State government legislation requires that you register your dog or cat and have it microchipped.
The purpose of this is to:
• register dogs and cats on a database so lost animals can be returned to their owners and
• animals that offend in some way can be identified
• provide a source of funds for education and enforcement
• allow communication with pet owners.
To register your pet contact Council’s Administration Officer on (02) 9976 1525.
Pets and wildlife
• Trained Assistance Animals (TAA) are allowed in any park or reserve provided they are leashed, harnessed or caged (proof of TAA status required - certification available through council offices)
• pets can damage natural areas and harm wildlife
• all other pets are generally not allowed in national parks, nature reserves, karst conservation reserves, state conservation areas or Crown reserves, except when consent is given by the park manager
• in historic sites, regional parks, state game reserves, Aboriginal areas or acquired lands, the manager of the area may authorise a person to bring a pet subject to conditions
• pet owners can take their pets through a park in a vehicle, provided that the vehicle does not stop and the pet remains within the vehicle. Pets can also be driven through a park if there is no other practical route to private property
• working dogs can travel through a park if assisting in droving stock along an authorised route
• in Aboriginal lands, entry and use of pets by the aboriginal owners may be permitted subject to conditions
• dogs must be kept on a leash in public places unless it is a designated leash-free area
• pick up your pet’s faeces – animal droppings are a health hazard and a nuisance to people and pollute the environment.
Where we may take our dogs:
On leash areas:
The path winds through areas of native bushland, which is home to some native animal species, so dog walkers are asked to take some care when their dogs are walking the track with them. Dogs must be on the leash.
Off leash areas:
You can let your dog off the leash in most of Council’s reserves. Here’s a list of ideal places where you CAN exercise your dog off the leash:
DOGS
Dog Prohibition Zone
To protect wildlife, Manly Council has declared that dogs are prohibited, whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled, in areas as shown in the map which is available on the Manly Council website Environment section.
You must still ensure your dog is under control, doesn’t annoy or attack anybody or animals and you must clean up after it. Also you must keep your dog 10 metres away from children’s play areas, BBQ’s and picnic areas.
Dogs not permitted:
• on any beaches or in swimming enclosures
• Manly Peace Park wildlife protection area
• Federation Point Wildlife Protection Area
• Council’s reserve, Spring Cove
• Manly Oval
• in any national park. This includes the walking track to Manly beyond Castle Rock Beach, where the Sydney Harbour National Park begins.
(Know the regulations and do the right thing or face an on-the spot fine.)
For more information please contact Manly Council’s Rangers on (02) 9976 1631.
Greyhounds: New laws for greyhounds allow these dogs to be exempt from wearing a muzzle if they complete an approved training program, pass a behavioural test, and are desexed, microchipped and lifetime registered on the Companion Animals Register. They will then wear a special green identity collar in public places. Many companion greyhounds are gentle family pets which do not need a lot of exercise, according to Greyhound Rescue in Killarney Heights.
CATS
Cats and wildlife don’t mix. While cats are excellent companions to humans and can appear docile they are very efficient hunters and can have a serious impact on native wildlife. Both feral and domestic cats have been shown by research to kill and eat many species including birds, reptiles, frogs, small mammals and marsupials. Due to bacteria in the mouths of cats, wildlife injured by cats rarely survive. The following tips will ensure you are a responsible cat owner and assist in protecting our unique wildlife.
• Keep your cat at home, inside the house or in an enclosed outside “cattery” during the day and particularly at night.
• Desex your cat to prevent unwanted kittens.
• Provide sufficient food and shelter for your cat.
• Build a cat proof boundary fence to keep your cat in the yard.
For more information about cat control programs contact your local NPWS office, or call the head office Information Centre on (02) 9585 6333.
1 Reference: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
TICKS
Ticks are common along the NSW coast, lving in bushland and laying eggs in leaf matter. When people brush past bushes or long grass they may come into contact with ticks. Ticks can also drop from overhead branches or lines. They affect humans by injecting a toxin through the skin and often this causes only a mild irritation. However, some people are allergic to tick bites and there will be swelling at the site of the bite, with some experiencing breathing difficulties. Ticks can also cause serious illness in humans and pets.1
The Paralysis Tick’s annual life cycle is:
Ticks are a part of the natural environment, and native animals tend to be immune from tick toxin.
Ticks feed on any warm-blooded vertebrate, such as birds, possums, rats, dogs, bandicoots etc. Residents sometimes call for the eradication of bandicoots, but bandicoots are protected native animals and play an important role in insect control.
Be tIck aware. There are many ways that people can take action to reduce the risk of tick bites:
Removing a Tick
Do not attempt to kill the tick with methylated spirits, alcohol, nail polish remover, petroleum jelly or any other substance, as this aggravates the tick causing it to inject more toxin.
Remove the attached tick with tweezers or a tick remover, by grasping it behind its head as close to the skin as possible. It is preferable for a second person to remove the tick.
If the tick has a firm hold, it can be encouraged to loosen its grip by applying a paste of bicarb soda and holding in place with a bandaid for 15 minutes.
Gently pull the tick out without twisting or jerking it, but turn it onto its back as you lift it
Wash your hands, and disinfect the tweezers and the bite.
Mass infestations of small larval or nymph stage ticks are best removed by soaking for 20 minutes in a warm bath with 1 cup of bicarb soda added. 3
Warning: Flea and tick control products which are labelled for use on dogs should not be used for cats as they contain a synthetic insectide which is fatal to cats. This ingredient, Permethrin or pyrethroid, is generally safe for most mammals, including humans and dogs.Cats are extremely sensitive to its effects, and accidental poisoning in cats is becoming increasingly common. The signs of permethrin toxicity are related to the central nervous system: obvious muscle tremors over the whole body; these sometimes turn into seizures in extreme cases, resulting in coma and death. Other signs include excess salivation, paw flicking, ear twitching, increased sensitivity to touch or sound, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and loss of co-ordination. Always follow label instructions on such products; be careful using these dog products if you have cats in your home. A cat can become poisoned by licking the dog or even sleeping next to the dog. 2
Potential Tick Diseases in Humans
A small number of bites can lead to infections, as a fraction of the tick population may carry bacteria. Tick Typhus or Spotted Fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia australis. Symptoms include headaches, rashes (although sometimes absent), swollen glands, fever and flu like symptoms. Generally the fever starts 1-14 days after the tick bite, followed by a rash within a few days.
Lyme disease: Although it has not been clinically proven that Lyme disease actually exists in Australia it is thought that a similar syndrome is present. In the USA it is possible to diagnose Lyme disease, however the bacteria is different in Australia, and research so far has failed to isolate it. The symtoms are gererally non specific; including rashes, shivers, joint and muscle aches, arthritis and chronic fatigue, and can occur months after the initial tick bite. Treatment is antibiotics.1
Lyme disease is caused by spirochaete bacteria. The disease can be chronic but is rarely fatal and is treatable if promptly diagnosed and correctly treated. Lyme disease is serious for pregnant women as it can infect the unborn baby, and potentially cause miscarriage, still birth and death after birth.
Allergic reaction to ticks can be serious. Anaphylactic shock has also been recorded, although this is rare. Ticks, especially a large infestation of the larval stage, can produce severe itching, resulting in hypersensitivity in some individuals. Chemists can provide anti-itch preparations.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
1 Reference: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
2 Reference: Dr A. Eaton, Brookvale South Veterinary Hospital
3 Reference: Manly Warringah Division of General Practice
Your pet and Manly Council: Registering your pet
State government legislation requires that you register your dog or cat and have it microchipped.
The purpose of this is to:
• register dogs and cats on a database so lost animals can be returned to their owners and
• animals that offend in some way can be identified
• provide a source of funds for education and enforcement
• allow communication with pet owners.
To register your pet contact Council’s Administration Officer on (02) 9976 1525.
Pets and wildlife
• Trained Assistance Animals (TAA) are allowed in any park or reserve provided they are leashed, harnessed or caged (proof of TAA status required - certification available through council offices)
• pets can damage natural areas and harm wildlife
• all other pets are generally not allowed in national parks, nature reserves, karst conservation reserves, state conservation areas or Crown reserves, except when consent is given by the park manager
• in historic sites, regional parks, state game reserves, Aboriginal areas or acquired lands, the manager of the area may authorise a person to bring a pet subject to conditions
• pet owners can take their pets through a park in a vehicle, provided that the vehicle does not stop and the pet remains within the vehicle. Pets can also be driven through a park if there is no other practical route to private property
• working dogs can travel through a park if assisting in droving stock along an authorised route
• in Aboriginal lands, entry and use of pets by the aboriginal owners may be permitted subject to conditions
• dogs must be kept on a leash in public places unless it is a designated leash-free area
• pick up your pet’s faeces – animal droppings are a health hazard and a nuisance to people and pollute the environment.
Where we may take our dogs:
On leash areas:
- Clontarf Reserve between the hours of 10am and 6pm, eastern standard time, and 10am and 8pm, eastern summer time, on weekends, school holidays and public holidays
- North and South Steyne Reserve between Shelly Beach and Queenscliff Surf Club including Marine Parade Reserve and Merrett Park
- Shelly Beach Headland and Shelly Beach Reserve above the access road
- Gilbert Park
- Little Manly Point Park
- Fairlight Beach
- West Esplanade Park.
The path winds through areas of native bushland, which is home to some native animal species, so dog walkers are asked to take some care when their dogs are walking the track with them. Dogs must be on the leash.
Off leash areas:
You can let your dog off the leash in most of Council’s reserves. Here’s a list of ideal places where you CAN exercise your dog off the leash:
- Seaforth Oval
- Tania Park
- North Harbour Reserve
- LM Graham Reserve
- Manly Cemetery
- Manly Lagoon Park
- Sandy Bay
DOGS
Dog Prohibition Zone
To protect wildlife, Manly Council has declared that dogs are prohibited, whether or not they are leashed or otherwise controlled, in areas as shown in the map which is available on the Manly Council website Environment section.
You must still ensure your dog is under control, doesn’t annoy or attack anybody or animals and you must clean up after it. Also you must keep your dog 10 metres away from children’s play areas, BBQ’s and picnic areas.
Dogs not permitted:
• on any beaches or in swimming enclosures
• Manly Peace Park wildlife protection area
• Federation Point Wildlife Protection Area
• Council’s reserve, Spring Cove
• Manly Oval
• in any national park. This includes the walking track to Manly beyond Castle Rock Beach, where the Sydney Harbour National Park begins.
(Know the regulations and do the right thing or face an on-the spot fine.)
For more information please contact Manly Council’s Rangers on (02) 9976 1631.
Greyhounds: New laws for greyhounds allow these dogs to be exempt from wearing a muzzle if they complete an approved training program, pass a behavioural test, and are desexed, microchipped and lifetime registered on the Companion Animals Register. They will then wear a special green identity collar in public places. Many companion greyhounds are gentle family pets which do not need a lot of exercise, according to Greyhound Rescue in Killarney Heights.
CATS
Cats and wildlife don’t mix. While cats are excellent companions to humans and can appear docile they are very efficient hunters and can have a serious impact on native wildlife. Both feral and domestic cats have been shown by research to kill and eat many species including birds, reptiles, frogs, small mammals and marsupials. Due to bacteria in the mouths of cats, wildlife injured by cats rarely survive. The following tips will ensure you are a responsible cat owner and assist in protecting our unique wildlife.
• Keep your cat at home, inside the house or in an enclosed outside “cattery” during the day and particularly at night.
• Desex your cat to prevent unwanted kittens.
• Provide sufficient food and shelter for your cat.
• Build a cat proof boundary fence to keep your cat in the yard.
For more information about cat control programs contact your local NPWS office, or call the head office Information Centre on (02) 9585 6333.
1 Reference: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
TICKS
Ticks are common along the NSW coast, lving in bushland and laying eggs in leaf matter. When people brush past bushes or long grass they may come into contact with ticks. Ticks can also drop from overhead branches or lines. They affect humans by injecting a toxin through the skin and often this causes only a mild irritation. However, some people are allergic to tick bites and there will be swelling at the site of the bite, with some experiencing breathing difficulties. Ticks can also cause serious illness in humans and pets.1
The Paralysis Tick’s annual life cycle is:
- Larva hatch and feed on a host in late February/March
- Moult in moist vegetation
- Emerge as nymph and feed on a host in about July
- Moult in moist vegetation
- Emerge as adults in September/October
- Males mate but don’t feed. Females feed on a host
- Lay eggs and die in December/January.
Ticks are a part of the natural environment, and native animals tend to be immune from tick toxin.
Ticks feed on any warm-blooded vertebrate, such as birds, possums, rats, dogs, bandicoots etc. Residents sometimes call for the eradication of bandicoots, but bandicoots are protected native animals and play an important role in insect control.
Be tIck aware. There are many ways that people can take action to reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks and a hat
- Wear light coloured clothing to improve visibility of ticks crawling on clothing
- Wear tropical strength insect repellent, including on hat and clothes. Only use those labelled specifically as a tick repellent (not suitable for young children)
- Avoid brushing against vegetation
- Always check for ticks after being outside. Undressed is best, paying particular attention to behind the ears, scalp, groin, armpits and back of knees
- Regularly groom / inspect pets - you may consult your veterinarian about medications
- Remove any ticks in the correct manner
- Remove weeds from your garden and keep vegetation trimmed near paths
- Maintain road frontages, removing weeds in consultation with Council
- Join volunteer bush regeneration groups, which are supported by Council
- Compost using appropriate methods.
Removing a Tick
Do not attempt to kill the tick with methylated spirits, alcohol, nail polish remover, petroleum jelly or any other substance, as this aggravates the tick causing it to inject more toxin.
Remove the attached tick with tweezers or a tick remover, by grasping it behind its head as close to the skin as possible. It is preferable for a second person to remove the tick.
If the tick has a firm hold, it can be encouraged to loosen its grip by applying a paste of bicarb soda and holding in place with a bandaid for 15 minutes.
Gently pull the tick out without twisting or jerking it, but turn it onto its back as you lift it
Wash your hands, and disinfect the tweezers and the bite.
Mass infestations of small larval or nymph stage ticks are best removed by soaking for 20 minutes in a warm bath with 1 cup of bicarb soda added. 3
Warning: Flea and tick control products which are labelled for use on dogs should not be used for cats as they contain a synthetic insectide which is fatal to cats. This ingredient, Permethrin or pyrethroid, is generally safe for most mammals, including humans and dogs.Cats are extremely sensitive to its effects, and accidental poisoning in cats is becoming increasingly common. The signs of permethrin toxicity are related to the central nervous system: obvious muscle tremors over the whole body; these sometimes turn into seizures in extreme cases, resulting in coma and death. Other signs include excess salivation, paw flicking, ear twitching, increased sensitivity to touch or sound, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and loss of co-ordination. Always follow label instructions on such products; be careful using these dog products if you have cats in your home. A cat can become poisoned by licking the dog or even sleeping next to the dog. 2
Potential Tick Diseases in Humans
A small number of bites can lead to infections, as a fraction of the tick population may carry bacteria. Tick Typhus or Spotted Fever is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia australis. Symptoms include headaches, rashes (although sometimes absent), swollen glands, fever and flu like symptoms. Generally the fever starts 1-14 days after the tick bite, followed by a rash within a few days.
Lyme disease: Although it has not been clinically proven that Lyme disease actually exists in Australia it is thought that a similar syndrome is present. In the USA it is possible to diagnose Lyme disease, however the bacteria is different in Australia, and research so far has failed to isolate it. The symtoms are gererally non specific; including rashes, shivers, joint and muscle aches, arthritis and chronic fatigue, and can occur months after the initial tick bite. Treatment is antibiotics.1
Lyme disease is caused by spirochaete bacteria. The disease can be chronic but is rarely fatal and is treatable if promptly diagnosed and correctly treated. Lyme disease is serious for pregnant women as it can infect the unborn baby, and potentially cause miscarriage, still birth and death after birth.
Allergic reaction to ticks can be serious. Anaphylactic shock has also been recorded, although this is rare. Ticks, especially a large infestation of the larval stage, can produce severe itching, resulting in hypersensitivity in some individuals. Chemists can provide anti-itch preparations.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
1 Reference: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
2 Reference: Dr A. Eaton, Brookvale South Veterinary Hospital
3 Reference: Manly Warringah Division of General Practice