Dogs at the Walvis Bay Lagoon are not allowed to roam around freely at the lagoon anymore and must always be on a leash and be under the supervision of the owner, the Walvis Bay municipality warned this week. Should this not be the case, members of the public should report such incidences to the health division of the municipality at 0812-777326. Stray dogs will be impounded while stricter action will be taken against owners when their unleashed dogs are found roaming in the lagoon, the town’s communications manager Utaara Hoveka said. The environmental management section of the Walvis Bay municipality has lately observed an increase in the number of stray dogs in the lagoon area, often chasing the birds that were feeding. On previous occasions, officials of the municipality were able to identify the owners of some of the dogs in question, and subsequently issued them with warning letters to restrain their dogs. The Walvis Bay Lagoon was proclaimed a Ramsar site in 1995 and is regarded as one of the richest coastal wetlands in Southern Africa in terms of biodiversity. It is also a wetland of international importance, particularly in terms of its rich bird life. Tourists flock to Walvis Bay to see this unique wetland and the famous flamingos. The conservation and preservation of the wetland therefore require the involvement and participation of all residents of Walvis Bay.