South Howrah Beach and dogs

I am an older woman with some walking issues. I have been using the beach as an exercise and community contact amenity for 3 years. I have an outing, get some exercise and enjoy the sensory experience of the beach and sea while having some fun with my small support dog. And there is a camaraderie about the whole beach walk thing which leads to chats and laughs. However, I am not sure that if I couldn’t take my dog I would come at all, since she adds to my sense of comfort and security. I generally come later in the day, and after 6.00pm in summer. Over that time, I have only had one episode of difficulty from a visiting dog walker who was not aware of the ’clean up’ requirements of using the beach. I have noticed that owners manage their animals extremely well and that over time, even more excitable dogs settle and become used to other people and dogs- they ‘get’ the behavioural norms. I also understand that, especially over summer, some dog free time on such a well located beach may suit some people and understand this but during my 3 years of visits I have had no one at any point react in a negative way to the current arrangements. I would love to know where this push has come from and also, why it’s us dog owners who must support our case again and again. We are a large percentage of ratepayers in this community and deserve more support that we get. Most council commentary is about the prohibitions or restrictions on animal owners, as if we are somehow slightly unsuitable community members. The value of pet ownership has become much clearer during the current pandemic, and has saved lives, I am absolutely certain. I suggest the council’s resources may be better used in resolving the ongoing problem of polluted waste water flooding onto South Howrah beach from storm water drains during storms, leading to ‘sewerage contamination’ signs- the water smells bad and is clearly polluted. Also the car park adjoining the beach is incredibly unsafe, with sand build up trapping cars and the street entry for months has been risky with a deep drop off and pot holes making a four wheel drive vehicle almost mandatory.