Bob and Jeanette with their travelling companions, Benny, Rosie, Amber and Flash

No welcome mats for mutts

DOG owners have blamed the raft of rules controlling a pet-friendly trial for its failure at a Queensland council-owned caravan park.

Grey nomads angrily complained they were not allowed to turn up on spec but had to sign a comprehensive two-page agreement a month before their arrival at Moreton Bay Regional Council's Bongaree Caravan Park on Bribie Island.

They also had to provide proof of their animal's up-to-date vaccinations, ensure their pets were "well mannered", not build dog runs outside their RVs and walk or exercise their dogs in open space areas outside the caravan park.

Caravanners Allan and Barbara Franks, who have been on the road for a year with their pooch Beau, told Caravanning News they thought the rules ‒ particularly having to sign the agreement a month before arrival ‒ were far too restrictive.

"Many of us don't know where we'll be from one week to the next, let alone in a month's time," Barbara explained.

"And this would apply to many grey nomads with pets, so it would be very difficult for lots of us to sign the council's agreement so far ahead.

"As for proof of vaccinations, we've never been asked to show anything for Beau in all our time on the road.

Sunshine Coast RVers Bob Lacey and Jeanette Kelly, who travel with four toy poodles, were not surprised the council's pet-friendly trial had floundered.

"We certainly wouldn't go to a place that does the sort of thing they were insisting on," Bob said.

"The requirements were stupid and far too restrictive, particularly having to sign an agreement a month ahead of your arrival."

Councillor Brooke Savige, in whose division the park is situated, spoke of the mess created by dogs, irresponsible dog owners and noise during the trial period..

She said there had also been concerns by other guests about people washing dog bedding in communal washing machines.

Figures showed only a marginal increase in bookings during the two-month trial period.

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