In the inner-western Sydney suburb of Birchgrove, a local council’s attempt to maintain peace has unleashed a cacophony of ridicule and disbelief. The Inner West Council, in a move that has left residents scratching their heads, recently installed signs at Mort Bay Park with a message that seems to have gone to the dogs—literally.
The signs, featuring the silhouettes of two dogs, implore our four-legged friends to ‘Please minimise barking’ and ‘Be considerate of others living nearby.’ This peculiar plea has sparked a howl of laughter and a wagging of tongues among the community, with many taking to social media to express their bemusement.
On the Balmain Living Facebook page, residents didn’t hold back their amusement. ‘My dog is smart but he can’t read! Is the council barking mad!!’ one resident quipped, capturing the sentiment of many. Others chimed in with suggestions that perhaps the signs should be translated into ‘dog bark’ or that dog reading lessons be offered at the local town hall.
The absurdity of the situation is not lost on anyone, least of all the Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne, who has unleashed his own opinion on the matter. ‘This sign seems ridiculous to me,’ he posted. ‘Dogs can’t read and people using Mort Bay Park are very reasonable in my experience.’ Mayor Byrne promised to address the issue with council staff, and true to his word, the signs were removed early last week.
This isn’t the first time that the Inner West Council has found itself in the doghouse over its signage. A previous sign demanding that Balmain dog owners prevent their pets from barking excessively in an off-leash area also divided the community. While some residents appreciated the reminder to keep their dogs’ barking in check, others felt it was a waste of taxpayer money and an unnecessary imposition on the natural behaviour of dogs enjoying their freedom.
The debate over the signs has opened up a broader conversation about community living and tolerance. Some residents advocate for a harmonious approach, recognising that just as children scream and cry, dogs bark—it’s simply what they do. Others, however, feel that the increasing presence of dogs and their owners in public spaces has become overbearing, with one local lamenting that the ‘whole Inner West is off-leash’.
The saga of the barking signs is a reminder that, in the quest for community harmony, common sense must prevail. It’s clear that while dogs may not be able to read, they certainly have become central characters in the narrative of local governance and community dynamics.
As we chuckle over the image of perplexed pooches pondering public policy, let’s take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of life and the importance of clear communication. And to our canine companions, we say: bark on, you’ve earned your voice in the community—just maybe keep it down after dark.
What are your thoughts on this approach to noise control in parks? Have you encountered any unusual council decisions in your area? Do you think dogs should be trained to bark less in public spaces, or is it all part of the vibrant tapestry of community life? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below, and let’s unleash the conversation!
Also read: Should dogs be shopping at Bunnings?
