“In, USA you pay to go into the park and you can take your pet, while in the UK your dog can go everywhere with you,” said Moira. “Get with the times, Australia!”

Kerrie agreed, saying we are one of the few countries in the world not to allow canines into national parks.

“Today there are many solo travellers, especially ladies, who travel with a dog not only for companionship but to offer some form of protection,” he said “Banning dogs from national parks excludes these travellers from enjoying some of this country’s most beautiful areas which their taxes have helped to maintain … and dogs can also be an early warning system for potential dangers like snakes and feral pigs.”

He says that, having travelled extensively over the past three years with dogs, he has found the vast majority of travelling dog owners are responsible for their pets and that the dogs are all well behaved.

“The impact made by dogs in national parks cannot possibly be worse than that made by people,” said Kerrie. “The amount of litter and human faeces and toilet paper is disgraceful … at least I pick up after my pet.”

Robyn was pretty practical about it all.

“What damage can dogs on leads do”” she asks.  “Feral cats do much more damage and there’s no control on them.”

However, there was an alternative view on the issue.

Full-time traveller Meryl says she’s seen some alarming trends.

“What I have noticed over the last two years is so many dog owners that are not responsible pet owners … they seem to think it’s their right for their dogs to run off into other campers’ camps where they pee on gear and poo without picking up,” she said. “These irresponsible people wouldn’t care if their animals killed the wildlife or urinated or a specific plant.”

Would you like to see signs like this taken down? PIC: Clarence Valley Council

Linda is adamant that canine companions can present issues for other travellers, and says she doesn’t want our beautiful parks spoiled with poop, barking and aggression.

“Dogs whether family members, cute, cuddly, or on a leash, should not be in national parks … with the exception of guide and therapy dogs,” she said. “I am not a dog hater but can be frightened of dogs.”

Alayn says introduced species should be kept out of your parks now and forever.

“You know the rules,” he said. “If you want to travel with your fur baby then accept the consequences and don’t make your selfish ‘want’ a problem for our remaining protected wild places.”

EARLIER

Judi W was very clear in her views.

“I love dogs but, keep them out, definitely shouldn’t allow them in national parks,” she said. “Our native wildlife need protecting, and there should be somewhere you can go where there aren’t dogs and you can feel safe.”

Kevin C was of similar opinion.

“There will always be the individual that says his dog is a good dog, until they see some unsuspecting wild life then they are off to kill it,” he said. “Until you can reason with the dog not to do it, they must stay out of the park.”

Neil P wasn’t sure that it was canines that were the real problem.

“Properly restrained dogs are no threat to wildlife,” he said. “Unfortunately, not all dog owners are responsible.”

However, Chris B was more willing to give owners the benefit of the doubt … and let the pets in.

“As long as they stay on a leash, are under owners’ control and won’t hurt any native animals,” he said.

Lynden McN was okay with dogs being allowed in … but under certain conditions.

“Maybe for short periods of time, say two nights max each park, and the owners have to take all dog droppings with them,” she said. “To monitor this the department could have online permits that must be displayed inside the vehicle.”

Dianne R had even more specific suggestions on how the situation could be managed to ensure proper containment and supervision of the dogs.

“As we expand as a society, it’s counter intuitive to impose stringent no-go areas for animals,” she said. “Our communities and societies need to be accommodating of the pets that share our lives.”

And she suggested that dogs could be allowed into parks in they were under control at all times … and if they were there to offer security for couples and solo travellers, or as companion pets for the solo caravanners.

It’s an understanding approach that would certainly be appreciated by Sherbert S.

“We have a little dog who is very precious to us and we miss not been able to visit national parks,” she said.  “But I have seen dog owners who do the wrong thing and let their dogs loose and don’t pick up after them, so I suppose it will never happen.”

Kathryn C was equally cynical.

“I visit a lot of on-leash areas and many dogs are not kept on leash,” she said. “National parks would not be any different.”

Phyllis A doesn’t have a dog herself, but believes responsible owners should be able to have their dogs on leashes in national parks.

“But saying that, the people who have got their animals with them must abide by the rules,” she said. “I have seen owners who do not take it seriously unfortunately.”

Bill S suggested one approach would be trial allowing dogs in parks.

“A lot of folk travel with their pet but would still like to be able to visit these parks,” he said. “But dog owners would have bags to pick up after any mess their dog may do and take said bag back with them.”

For Peter B, it was a no-brainer.

“Dogs are part of the family,” he said.

However, Annette F said national parks needed to be preserved in their natural state which she believes can only happen when non-native animals are kept away.

“The impact of domestic animals on not just national parks, but conservation areas and state parks is too long to go into here,” she said. “Pet owners should simply heed the very clear signage placed in numerous places around the parks … if they are caught out and fined, so be it!”